Carolina Panthers: 6 Bold Predictions for the 2018 season

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CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 24: Shaq Green-Thompson #54 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates after a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Shaq Thompson leads Panthers in tackles

This finally could be the year that Shaq Thompson finally breaks out, something fans have been waiting for since he was taken in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. However, Thompson should have the opportunity with an increase in playing time to achieve that and finish the year as the Panthers’ leader in tackles.

He will have plenty of playing time to start the year as Thomas Davis has been suspended for the first four games of the season by the NFL. He will have the chance to play alongside Luke Kuechly and likely play every defensive snap.

Once Davis does return, Thompson should still see a majority of the snaps as the veteran is getting towards the end of his career and the coaching staff may try to limit his workload.

While Thompson will be competing for playing time with Davis, he will be competing with Luke Kuechly in terms of tackles. The Panthers’ middle linebacker is one of the best in the game when he is on the field. However, Kuechly has missed time each of the past three seasons with head injuries and these are tough to avoid.

This is the year that Shaq Thompson really makes a name for himself as a defensive playmaker and leads this defense in tackles.

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