Kuechly is third in the league in tackles

[LinvilleGorge]

Not that his weight mattered. Ray Lewis ran a 4.53. He was a lot more of a "freak" than people realize.

Why do people criticize the Urlacher comparisons so much? I don't know why people jump to the conclusion that people are only comparing them because he's white. Not saying its been the case this thread but I'm just talking about in general. I'd compare him more to Urlacher than I would Lewis personally. Just looking at their measurables and watching them play, Kuechly and Urlacher are identical in their play style. The only key difference is Urlacher is tall as hell for an inside backer but Kuechly's still 6'3 (Urlacher is borderline 6'5).

Besides, it isn't like being compared to Urlacher is a bad thing.

I love Kuechly. He's a beast.

But, the Urlacher comparisons just aren't all that apt. Urlacher is a HUGE MLB. The guy is like 6'5" 260. He's basically DE sized and had so much speed that he played safety and returned punts in college. He was a freak. I say "was" because age and injury have taken their toll. He's still a damn good LB, but he's a mere shadow of what he once was.

Kuechly just doesn't compare physically. But, Kuechly is well ahead of the curve as a rookie. Honestly, our own Jon Beason pre-injury isn't a bad comparison.

[OnlyPantherFaninMaine]

Anyone know the reason Luke wears what look to be wrist guards right above his gloves every time he's on the field? Are they wrist guards? Just not sure and have been wondering.

[Thorrez]

Keek is a brick wall! I love how he always seems to stuff and bring the ball carrier backwards and/or down. Even if he comes in from the side and even though technically lacking in size he just has a way of not giving up the extra 1-2 falling forward yards.

Beason has played on the outside on running downs before and done it well, he will just make us better if healthy next year. And in all nickel packages will be the same regardless.

[PantherPhann89]

Kuechly seems to be a natural in the middle. Things gonna be interesting next season.

[GotSwag?]

Im a big Beason fan, but Kuechly has been a blessing. Since he took over as MLB after Beasons injury, this defense looks much improved. I pray Beason comes back full strength and health allows TD to continue playing like he has for the next few seasons. If that happens, and our DL continues to dominant and we get some help for our secondary...this defense is going to be downright scary.

Which brings me to my next point - Im leaning towards keeping Rivera. Why? This offense will keep improving as will the defense. Picture last years O + this years D. Almost same personnel. Im willing to give it one more season as long as Im seeing improvements in the defense. I think its only a matter of time before the offense hits its stride.

[DaveThePanther2008]

Beason is a great MLB too. Injuries have held him back but letting him go would be insane. Cool thing about it is. Competition. We have 4 pre-season games to see who will be better at MLB. I love Kuechly at any position, MLB, WLB, SLB. I hope that Beason restructures. I believe he loves the Panthers and would realistically restructure before having to be cut.

You know the GM is going to be looking for Cap Space and Beason will be a target. Dumping Naku, AE, Pickles and some of the other dead weight will help some but the big buck deals need to disappear.

Sorry AE fans but 2 catches does not make him a valued asset for this team.

[Who Said What?]

I'm torn on the subject. I do know as much as I like Beason, I don't want Luke to move from the middle. Kid looks like a pro bowler out there mid way in his rookie year. He deserves to stay.

I think that we could have a line-backer core as good as San-Fran with the addition of a healthy Beason. I really don't think a re-structure is out of the order if we ask him for the sake of the team. I don't want to see Beason gone either, but teams like Baltimore and the Steelers repeatedly move linebackers. Four starting caliber linebackers would be such a good problem to have, if it were not for our cap problems.