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CHARLOTTE (AP) — When the Carolina Panthers took Thomas Davis with the 14th pick in the 2005 NFL draft, coach John Fox raved he could be a "Derrick Brooks-type linebacker."

Four years later, Davis for the first time is playing in the same Tampa-2 defensive system that Brooks thrived in with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And in Week 1 he put up Brooks-like numbers.

"Pretty much my best game as a pro," Davis said Thursday.

The stats crew credited the weak-side linebacker with 16 tackles against Philadelphia. After the coaches graded the tape, the total swelled to 18, with 13 solo stops.

While Davis' performance was overshadowed by Jake Delhomme's five turnovers in the 38-10 loss to the Eagles, it wasn't forgotten in the Carolina locker room.

"The little birdies are saying that's the position to have in this defense," strong-side linebacker Na'il Diggs said.

It sure seems that way. When Davis missed most of the preseason with a sprained knee ligament, backup James Anderson had 16 tackles in parts of two games.

"I think the biggest thing, it's set up for the (weak-side) linebacker," Davis said. "It puts me in position to make plays, and Sunday I was able to go out, run around, feel free and make plays."

The Panthers changed defenses when Ron Meeks replaced Mike Trgovac as coordinator after last season. Meeks had worked in Indianapolis under Tony Dungy, author of the Tampa-2.

It's a simple, zone-like system that relies on fast players and calls for much of the quarterback pressure to come from the defensive line. At his spot, Davis often is allowed to read the quarterback and react. He said he often only has to beat one man to get to the ball.

"I'm loving it," Davis said. "I hope it's going to keep paying dividends for me."

The Panthers knew they were getting a speedy athlete when they drafted the former Georgia star. The Shellman, Ga., native played linebacker and safety during his career with the Bulldogs. When Fox said he thought Davis could be like Brooks on draft day, he also indicated he could be a "Roy Williams-type of safety."

Fox had trouble figuring out where to use the 6-foot, 240-pound defender in his rookie year, flipping him between both positions. He was moved to linebacker full-time in 2006 and Sunday's game against Atlanta in his home state will be his 34th consecutive start.

"Because he is very, very fast, they can use him in multiple schemes and put him in different positions," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. "He played very, very well for them last season and I would anticipate that he has improved."

Davis' teammates say they're seeing a different player.

"He's matured not only as a player but as a man. I think it's carried over to his play," Diggs said. "He's a lot more accountable. He's a lot more responsible. He's just becoming an all around player."

With Brooks out of the league after being released by the Bucs in the offseason, Davis is hoping the Panthers can have the best linebacking unit in the NFL. Middle linebacker Jon Beason made the Pro Bowl last year and has led the team in tackles the past two seasons. Diggs provides a veteran presence in the other starting spot.

But with this defense, Davis is charged with being the tackle collector.

"He's just one of those talented athletes that God blessed with great ability," Diggs said. "That comes along with maturity. He's realizing that and he's starting to apply it now."