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We’ve watched the All Pro linebacker for so long https://www.carolinapanthersfanshop.com/Matt-Kalil-Jersey , it’s easy to forget how good he really is" />Skip to main contentclockmenumore-arrownoyesCat Scratch Reader homepageHorizontal - WhiteCat Scratch Readera Carolina Panthers communityFollow Cat Scratch Reader online:Follow Cat Scratch Reader on TwitterFollow Cat Scratch Reader on FacebookLog in or sign upLog InSign UpSite searchSearchSearchCat Scratch Reader main menuFanpostsFanshotsSectionsAboutPanthersOddsShopStubHubMoreAll 321 blogs on Horizontal - WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections Keep Sounding PodcastPanthers 2019 Training CampCSR Film RoomWe are spoiled by the greatness of Luke KuechlyNew,4commentsWe’ve watched the All Pro linebacker for so long, it’s easy to forget how good he really isESTThe Carolina Panthers probably shouldn’t have drafted Luke Kuechly. There were injury concerns at linebacker, but surely some combination of Jon Beason, Thomas Davis, and James Anderson could form a passable corps. At the same time, they had needs at offensive tackle, defensive end, and wide receiver. You know https://www.carolinapanthersfanshop.com/Captain-Munnerlyn-Jersey , important positions. They drafted him anyway and, boy, did that pick hit. Jon Beason never regained his All Pro form after his Achilles tear in 2011. It opened the door for Luke Kuechly to take over at middle linebacker, where he went on to win Defensive Rookie of the Year Honors. He’s made an All Pro team every season since. He’s been so good for so long it’s easy to lose sight of what’s in front of us. Words were being thrown about the Internet saying Kuechly was no longer good. He had lost a step. He wasn’t making all the plays he should be making. He was bad.It’s true there was a stretch of play early in the season where Kuechly wasn’t his usual self. He was relatively invisible for a couple games after a strong season opening performance against the Cowboys. But he wasn’t bad. He only had 16 tackles from Weeks 2 to 4, but he had a pair of run stuffs and an interception in there. He was playing like a regular above average linebacker, which is great. Compared to what we’re used to, it was poor.Luke overcame his slump and finished on a tear. He finished the season with 130 tackles, eighth in the league. He registered 20 tackles for loss, most among traditional linebackers and seven more than second-bests Jamie Collins and Lavonte David. The next best middle linebacker only had 10. It culminated in Kuechly being named a First Team All-Pro for the fifth time in his seven year career. Only J.J. Watt has earned that distinction as many times in those seven years. He’s still arguably the best middle linebacker in the game https://www.carolinapanthersfanshop.com/David-Mayo-Jersey , and the Panthers are very lucky to have him. Now they need to get the rest of the defense up to snuff. The Panthers had high hopes when they drafted West Virginia quarterback Will Grier in the third round.So far, Grier is causing them to have higher hopes for teammate Kyle Allen, which might simply be a case of looking good by comparison.Grier was drilled from behind by an unblocked Steelers linebacker Jayrone Elliott, fumbled, and Elliott scooped it up and returned it 88 yards for a touchdown.It was the latest mishap in what has been a frustrating preseason for the rookie quarterback, who also had an interception returned for a touchdown in the second preseason game against the Bills.In the first three preseason games, Grier was a combined 23-of-43 for 196 yards, with a touchdown and two interceptions (54.0 passer rating).He came in after one series for Allen tonight, which suggests Allen was well ahead in the competition to be Newton’s backup. The Panthers are high on Allen after he started a meaningless Week 17 game against the Saints last year https://www.carolinapanthersfanshop.com/Devin-Funchess-Jersey , but he hasn’t been very convincing (or good) this preseason.In a perfect world, Grier would have been competent enough to be their backup, but for now it appears that’s at least a year away. The good news is, Cam Newton‘s going to be able to play in the opener against the Rams after scaring them with a foot sprain last week. The bad news is, if Newton has to miss any time this year, the Panthers could be in real trouble.