If a reporter even thinks about asking Thomas Davis a question with the 'r' word these days, the linebacker immediately interrupts.

Games like Sunday show why retirement isn't yet on his mind.

Carolina's longest-tenured player added to his list of remarkable Panthers performances with a dominating effort against the Rams. It was a day that included a game-high 11 tackles, a forced fumble and a leaping interception 33-year-olds aren't supposed to make.

"I saw something that our coaches showed us all week long," Davis said of his third-quarter pick of quarterback Case Keenum that stopped a rare Rams' drive into Panthers' territory.

"You drop back, you get setup, and you get your eyes back to the quarterback and he threw it in my direction. In my eyes, I’m like, 'Hey, come down with this football by any means necessary.'"

A week after Davis scored the first touchdown of his 12-year career, he upped his interception total to 12. Half of those have come in the past two seasons.

"I was right there and Thomas jumped up there and made a great play," said linebacker Luke Kuechly, who lost his weekly competition against Davis with just six tackles.

"I think he beat me, so he’s going to give me some grief on that. He’s got two (interceptions) already this year, so I’ve got some catching up to do."

Davis got some air when he sealed a Panthers' win last year over Green Bay. His hangtime was even better on this pick, which may have had to do something with the "dream" deal he signed with Jordan Brand this offseason?

"It might be in the shoes," Davis said with a smile. "It might be the Jumpman. I think they may have gave me a little boost."

And another reason to keep brushing off any questions about the 'r' word.