Panthers OLB Thomas Davis: ‘My trainers are trying to protect me from myself’
Article By viyer.tsn on 26th May, 2010
CHARLOTTE — A first-round pick of the Panthers in 2005, Thomas Davis successfully made the transition from safety to outside linebacker early in his career. Last year, he was building on a breakout '08 season before a torn ACL sidelined him for the final eight games.
In five seasons with the Panthers, Thomas Davis has 312 total tackles and 11 sacks.
Working hard in the team's offseason program to recover from the injury, Davis talked to Sporting News' Vinnie Iyer and other reporters about the rehab process, playing alongside Pro Bowl middle linebacker Jon Beason and what he expects out of the Carolina defense without Pro Bowl defensive end Julius Peppers.
Q: How are you feeling six months removed from the knee injury?
A: My leg is feeling great right now. My trainers are trying to protect me from myself. It's something that's hard for me right now, out here watching everybody compete. I want to get in, but at the same time, I know it's not the best thing for me to get out here and do the seven-on-seven things we're doing.
Q: How have you maintained a positive attitude through your rehabilitation process?
A: At first, it was hard. But then once I sat down, I prayed to God to take that pain off my heart and everything started to fall into place. I knew I couldn't sit around and be sad about it. I had to get out there and work hard to get back to where I am. I think I've done a great job of working hard.
Q: How comfortable are you in this cover-2 defensive scheme?
A: This defense is built for a fast linebacker, somebody who can move, and I feel like I fit that well. Coach (defensive coordinator Ron) Meeks has put me in a good position to make plays, and we've been able to capitalize on it. I'm just looking forward to starting back up strong and finishing strong this time.
Q: How do you and Beason stack up among the NFL's best linebacker combinations?
A: Beason, he's done h...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for NFL
Working hard in the team's offseason program to recover from the injury, Davis talked to Sporting News' Vinnie Iyer and other reporters about the rehab process, playing alongside Pro Bowl middle linebacker Jon Beason and what he expects out of the Carolina defense without Pro Bowl defensive end Julius Peppers.
Q: How are you feeling six months removed from the knee injury?
A: My leg is feeling great right now. My trainers are trying to protect me from myself. It's something that's hard for me right now, out here watching everybody compete. I want to get in, but at the same time, I know it's not the best thing for me to get out here and do the seven-on-seven things we're doing.
Q: How have you maintained a positive attitude through your rehabilitation process?
A: At first, it was hard. But then once I sat down, I prayed to God to take that pain off my heart and everything started to fall into place. I knew I couldn't sit around and be sad about it. I had to get out there and work hard to get back to where I am. I think I've done a great job of working hard.
Q: How comfortable are you in this cover-2 defensive scheme?
A: This defense is built for a fast linebacker, somebody who can move, and I feel like I fit that well. Coach (defensive coordinator Ron) Meeks has put me in a good position to make plays, and we've been able to capitalize on it. I'm just looking forward to starting back up strong and finishing strong this time.
Q: How do you and Beason stack up among the NFL's best linebacker combinations?
A: Beason, he's done h...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for NFL
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