How Will Thomas Davis’ Suspension Affect Carolina’s Playoff Push?

The NFL announced that Panthers’ linebacker Thomas Davis will be suspended for the team’s final two games of the regular season for this helmet-to-helmet hit on Packers’ wide receiver Davante Adams:

1. I get why and applaud the NFL for suspending Thomas Davis for 2 games for this dirty helmet to helmet hit on Davante Adams. It was so dirty and he has a history of other dirty hits.pic.twitter.com/PnvP42p50f

— Philip DeFranco (@PhillyD) December 18, 2017

Here’s the league explanation for sitting Davis two games.

“During an interception return, you took a path toward your opponent who was pursuing the play and delivered a violent and unnecessary blindside block to his head and neck area. You have been previously fined for violations of safety-related rules. Your actions warrant an escalation of discipline, not only because they were flagrant, but also because of your status as a repeat offender.”

TD apologized to Adams via Twitter after the Pakers’ wide receiver expressed anger over the play.

Look it’s football but no room for shit like that. We supposed to be in this together n look out for one another not mess with a mans livelihood and hand out unnecessary concussions. We all got mouths to feed what if I did that to him and his kids cant eat…

— Davante Adams (@tae15adams) December 18, 2017

I understand your frustration and I do apologize for the hit! In no way was I trying to hurt you. My first instinct was turn and make a block. In all sincerity I do apologize. I truly respect you as a player and I made a mistake!

— Thomas Davis (@ThomasDavisSDTM) December 18, 2017

The question now is, what will two games without one of their defensive leaders mean for Carolina as they try to solidify a spot in the playoffs?

The Panthers final two contests are against NFC South foes. Carolina will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Christmas Eve and travel to Atlanta for their regular season finale against the Falcons. If the suspension is upheld, the Panthers’ defense should be able to hold their own without Davis against the Bucs (Shaq Thompson’s hopeful return after missing two games with a foot injury would help also). But legit concerns would arise when they take on the Falcons in a game that could determine whether either team makes the playoffs.

In their first meeting this season, Carolina was able to hold Atlanta to 53 net rushing yards. Since that game the Falcons have gone 4-1 and averaged 120.6 yards per game on the ground. The bottom line is, this isn’t the same team Carolina eased by in week 9 and the Panthers will need all of their weapons to defeat them – especially TD.

Davis plans to appeal the suspension and all Carolina can do now is hope they reduce it to one game….Isn’t that what they gave New England tight end Rob Gronkowski’s egregious assault of Tre’Davious White?