For those of you down on Luke's performance..

[KillaCamNewton]

Luke is a better player than Mack. That doesnt mean Mack isnt more valuable or doesnt have a bigger impact on the game than Kuechly. In today’s NFL you can scheme a linebacker out of the game. Yes Luke still can diagnose plays and can cover like a safety and is the best in the league against the run, but teams can simply exploit other weaknesses in your defense. A dominant edge rusher can single handedly ruin an entire offense, watch Super Bowl 50 if you need a reminder. 

[Panthers8969]

Luke still had a good game imo, he just wasn’t perfect like he normally is. 2 missed tackles oh no. Shaq misses 2 a game usually 

[top dawg]

5 hours ago, mikeholiday said:

You don't see Mack dropping into coverage much because that would be a waste of his time. Rushing the passer is the single most valuable thing a defensive player can do. 

A defense works when everyone does their job. Recognizing what the opposition is doing on any given play is likely the most important thing a player can do. Then executing by rushing the passer, making tackles or breaking up passes (including interceptions) are all extremely important. I wholeheartedly reject the notion that one is more important than the other, because none of them are 100 percent effective 100 percent of the time. Everyone must do their job to the best of their ability.

What makes Kuechly so outstanding is sheer consistency of greatness at reading the play, covering and breaking up passes (including interceptions), stopping the run, and textbook tackling. Mack is an excellent pass rusher but it's not like he's getting disruptive pressure every play, much less a sack.

Deion Sanders in his prime may be the best CB that I've ever seen. If he were on one side and Revis in his prime on the other, then pass rushing becomes less important. I say this to illustrate that what's important depends upon the makeup of your team. Sure, you can always use an elite pass rusher, but you can always use an elite mic linebacker as well.

[Moo Daeng]

MLB aren't asked or expected to be pass rushers for those of you new to the sport.

[Saca312]

Oh dear lord first Cam was bashed and now we got Luke bashing as well.

God some on this forum is wack lately.

[Saca312]

I’ll take a Luke Kuechly setting up defensive formations and coverage and understanding offensive plays and stopping that over a pass rusher anyday.

[Jhyler12]

Mack is amazing yes and man can he get to the QB but we all have to agree that Mack can no way get sideline to sideline like Luke and most importantly to end the discussion Mack can not QB an entire defense like Luke, no one in the NFL can.

[iamhubby1]

    If you want to scheme around Mack. You send a RB over to help. and you get the ball out quicker. Easy peasy. Not many resources spent. 

 

    If you want to scheme around Luke. That takes a whole day in the film room. Everyone has to know where he is, Everyone has to keep their eyes on him. Not so easy peasy. Lot's of resources spent.

 

    Mack can affect a few plays throughout the game. Luke affects almost every one.

[GRWatcher]

It's a player like Luke that makes sure a player like Mack is in the right place so he can get his big plays and sacks. It's a team sport.