Carolina Panthers

Luke Kuechly: I knew Thomas Davis would end up with the onside kick

Published Jan. 17, 2016 11:48 p.m. ET

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When the Carolina Panthers lined up to defend an onside kick by the Seattle Seahawks, there were quite a few nervous people. One of those people, though, wasn't linebacker Luke Kuechly.

Why you ask? Well, he knew that Thomas Davis was standing behind him ready to grab the onside kick when it came his direction. While some may joke about a linebacker being on the hands team, Kuechly believes he's as sure-handed as anyone out there.

Via Joseph Person of The Charlotte Observer:

“He’s not an offensive guy and that’s why sometimes people wonder. But the thing about Thomas is when you need a play in a big game, put him in,” said middle linebacker Luke Kuechly, who’s on the front line of the hands team.

“We went out there for the onside kick and he’s back there, I don’t have to worry about anything,” Kuechly added. “I know he’s going to end up with that ball, regardless of the situation, whether he’s got to claw for it or whatever.”

Not only that, but as Scott Fowler of The Charlotte Observer points out, Davis has pulled in a game-clinching onside kick one other time this season as well.

Maybe Davis should play a little wide receiver? Alright, we shouldn't go that far yet, but one thing that's certain is that he's done a great job on the hands team.

Jeff Smith writes about the NFL for FOX Sports. You can find him on Twitter @JSM8ith.