Carolina Panthers

Linebackers Shine Despite Decline in Defense

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

While the Carolina Panthers defense has seen better days than the 2016 season, one group of players still continues to turn in solid performances.

In January of this year the Carolina Panthers defense, playing in the NFC Championship game, made a veteran quarterback and team commit mistake after mistake. Seven turnovers in all, turning those mistakes into a 34 point victory.

That veteran quarterback was Carson Palmer of the Arizona Cardinals. Now just ten months later, the Panthers find themselves with just one win, while the Cardinals have a 3-3-1 record. A once ranked best team defense in Carolina now enters Week Eight struggling to find their bearings with one of the worse passing defenses in the league.

How the mighty have fallen.

Despite recent downturns, there is one group of the defensive eleven that continues to offer hope for the Carolina faithful. The play of the linebacker corps headed by Luke Kuechly.

Kuechly enters Week Eight ranked sixth in total tackles, only six behind the leading tackler Zach Brown of Buffalo, despite one less game played. Kuechly also ranks top ten in assisted tackles and has picked up an interception with three passes defended.

Sep 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis (58) and Luke Kuechly (59) against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Panthers 21-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The linebacker corps for Carolina is a perfect blend of veteran leader, prime breakout star, and an up and coming ferocious tackler. That veteran being Thomas Davis, who despite many setbacks continues to perform at a high level in his age 33 season. Kuechly, who at 25 plays like a man who has seen more than just four years on an NFL field. Finally, Shaq Thompson, a second year player who like the aforementioned, plays at a high level and continues to eat up tackles and play zone coverage on passing downs.

This “blend” was the exact formula that the secondary and front four had last year. Veteran Charles Tillman, breakout star Josh Norman, and learning nickle corner Bené Benwikere made up the secondary trio. Meanwhile, veteran Jared Allen, breakout star Kawann Short, and progressing Star Lotulelei clogged the holes at the line. When these ingredients mix, a tasty recipe is formed. Older players bounce ideas and tips off to the younger athletes, while younger athletes use their raw talent and age to their advantage.

These trade-offs proved successful last season, but now only one of the three focal points of the defense for Carolina has maintained this trifecta. Possibly why the linebackers are still performing at a high level. Despite the linebacking play, frustration clearly among the other position areas of the defense.

“We gave ourselves a chance to win at the end but we have to give ourselves a better chance to do it,” said Kuechly after their Week Six defeat against New Orleans.

“There’s a guy in every room that’s an older guy that’s going to keep this thing together. That’s something that’s never crossed my mind, we just have to play better football and get back on track.”

That track begins with a matchup Sunday against the Cardinals who once were dominated, but now are the favorites to secure the victory.