The Carolina Panthers haven’t had many bright spots in two blowout losses, one to the New Orleans Saints by a score of 47-10 last week and one on Sunday to the Los Angeles Chargers, which ended 26-3.
Linebacker Shaq Thompson, now in his tenth season with the Panthers, has been one of the few exceptions. The former Washington Huskies star had 10 tackles against the Saints in Week 1, following up that performance with 14 tackles in the loss to the Chargers.
Thompson primarily stopped Los Angeles’ running backs after they got through an initial hole, as Panthers Pro Bowl defensive tackle Derrick Brown went on injured reserve before Week Two.
Former Husky Elijah Molden, now with the Chargers after being traded to Los Angeles before the season, had an interception of Panthers quarterback Bryce Young on Sunday as well. Molden added seven tackles as the starting safety next to Chargers star Derwin James.
Tight end Will Dissly chipped in three receptions for 29 yards for the Chargers.
Thompson’s 25 tackles through two games will likely be atop the NFL leaderboards unless Chicago Bears linebacker TJ Edwards or Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun has 10 or more tackles on Sunday Night Football or Monday Night Football, respectively.
The Panthers play the Las Vegas Raiders next week, who do not have a Huskies alum on their roster.