Could Kuechly have a Brian Cushing type season?

[Jack Power]

If Kuechly remains at the weak side position I believe he could have similar stats to Brian Cushing of last year....

114 Tackles, 76 Solo, 4 Sacks, 5 Pass Deflections, 2 Interceptions, 2 Forces Fumbles

They are both 6'3 around the mid to high 240s and had very similar combines. Brian Cushing had way more sacks in college but i think that was simply because he played with 3 other great linebackers who cleaned up any of his mistakes. Luke didn't have that luxury in school, but he most certainly does now. Kuechly has better vision, reaction, skills, and coverage ability. Our defense could be scary this year.

What do you guys think?

[PantherPhann89]

I think that Kuechly season stats will be dependent upon how we use him throughout the season. Which in turn will be based on injuries to either Davis or Beason or even Anderson. With Rivera being the very good DC that he is, I'm sure that he'll get the most out of all our players, but I do think that Kuechly will have a great season for many years to come.

[Ivan The Awesome]

Those stats for a rookie would be amazing. I wish that Kuechly would win the DROY award.

[panthers34]

maybe but he wont have as much sacks

[Riverboat Ron]

Guy will be a tackle monster for sure.

[nickzz]

maybe but he wont have as much sacks

i think 4 sacks is very doable for kuechly

[Keep Pounding]

I think once our DEF, will blitz more this year, so I see Luke having about 5-7 sacks, I think that with the lockout and the injuries, we fielded 9 different groups in 14 games, so I would say once we have a full offseason to install the DEF, we will blitz more often with our LBer s,

[Argus Plexus]

Agree with OP

[Brooklyn Bully]

Could he? Of course. Will he? Let's let the kid play a game before we get too giddy. I'm hoping for the best though.

[SIGCHI222]

Much like Cam, I would want Kuechley to set at least team rookie records for tackles, sacks, pass deflections, interceptions and forced fumbles. If he can set them for the NFC or even better, the NFL, it's all gravy. Chico gets giddy about him at times, why shouldn't we? I'll try to remain tempered but the kid seems for real.

[Tarheels23]

Cushing was converted to MLB last year, so his stat's were from the MLB spot.

[Jesse]

I see 3 sacks tops. I do, however, expect him to put up 80+ tackles. You don't set an NCAA record without instincts to find the ball.

[Swaggasaurus]

I think once our DEF, will blitz more this year, so I see Luke having about 5-7 sacks, I think that with the lockout and the injuries, we fielded 9 different groups in 14 games, so I would say once we have a full offseason to install the DEF, we will blitz more often with our LBer s,

I think 5-7 may be excessive if Kuechly plays the WLB. If we do in fact run a Jim Johnson-esque scheme the MLB and SLB will have the most opportunities to blitz and should therefore have a chance to pick up more sacks than our Will.

[klbishop143]

could give a fug as long as he can cover graham and lock down gonzalez (cant wait till that dude retires. first down machine).