A little DPOY love from NFL.com

[SgtJoo]

Elliot Harrison

NFL.com

 

Luke Kuechly's emergence fueled Panthers' rise

 

Given the way he came on at the end of the season, and the incredible streak Carolina went on during the back half of the campaign, Luke Kuechly is the man. The Panthers lost once in their final 12 regular-season contests, with much credit going to Kuechly. And when the team really needed him against the Saints in Week 16, he came through with 24 tackles and one interception to put Carolina in position to win the NFC South. 

 

The fact that this was just his second NFL season is unreal. And if J.J. Watt could win this award in Year 2, why not Kuechly?

 

 

Adam Schein

NFL.com

 

Kuechly sits atop a crowded field of viable candidates

 

I stand by the initial choice I made in a "Schein Nine" column on this topic back in mid-November: Luke Kuechly gets the nod over Earl Thomas in a hotly contested race. 

 

Kuechly has the requisite numbers for the hardware, but remember that this is also a defensive MVP award. He was Carolina's heart and soul, the most valuable Panther in a season of overachievement. Their front seven was dominant -- and Kuechly headed the charge.

 

 

Jason Smith

NFL.com

 

At age 22, Kuechly's entered a class of his own

 

In just two NFL seasons, Luke Kuechly's become the top middle linebacker in the game. He does everything, as a tackling machine who also excels in coverage and gets pressure on the quarterback when he has to. 

 

This is a special guy. Barring unforeseen circumstances, he's going to be an All-Pro player for years to come and end up in Canton when his career is over.

 

 

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000319301/article/defensive-player-of-the-year-luke-kuechly-headlines-candidates

 

[Guest Dark Knight]

They are boosting Luke up so they can give the defense all the credit when they downplay what Cam does.

I'm not sure Luke is even the best LB on the team yet. Thomas Davis is a monster, too.

[Growl]

i thought this thread was going to be about sione fua.

the impact he has on our defensive performance when he's on the field versus when he's not is staggering.

[LinvilleGorge]

I'm not sure Luke is even the best LB on the team yet. Thomas Davis is a monster, too.

 

TD has been criminally underrated for his entire career.  It was ridiculous he didn't go to the Pro Bowl this year.  Insane that he had the best season of his career at 30 after 3 ACL injuries.

[CollegePanther]

TD is at Luke's level.

[Guest Dark Knight]

TD is at Luke's level.

Luke is going to keep getting better & better, but if I had to pick one right now I'd go with TD.

[MadHatter]

They are boosting Luke up so they can give the defense all the credit when they downplay what Cam does.

I'm not sure Luke is even the best LB on the team yet. Thomas Davis is a monster, too.

Damn you guys are amazing. You try and take everything and twist it into a slight on Cam.

The praise Luke us getting us well deserved and has absolutely nothing to do with Cam.

And your comment about Luke not being the best LB on the team should be an automatic revocation of you man card and football card.

Just stop it...you look like an idiot.

[PantherWake]

TD wins Man of the Year

 

Luke wins DOY

 

RIverboat wins COY

 

BOOM.

[MadHatter]

TD wins Man of the Year

 

Luke wins DOY

 

RIverboat wins COY

 

BOOM.

 

I can actually see that scenario playing out.  All are frontrunners for the awards.

[SpeedOFLight]

It is a really good feeling to have these awesome players on our team. TD, what can I say, this dude is a beast and a great example on how to never give up no matter how bleak things look. You have Luke, who is only 22 and then you have Cam. The futre is bright in the Carolinas. There are a lot of other palyers who are awesome on our team. I can't wait until next season

[Ricky Spanish]

TD wins Man of the Year

 

Luke wins DOY

 

RIverboat wins COY

 

BOOM.

 

and the Panthers with the Super Bo-

 

I had a sad :(

[jayflip]

It's good (again) to be a Carolina fan. Wish we could be cheering them on this Sunday, but I love what our season was and what we're becoming. We might just own the most talented young core in the league. Now gimme a WR and someone to replace Bell.

[MorgulKing]

Can't tell if you're joking or stupid.

 

They are boosting Luke up so they can give the defense all the credit when they downplay what Cam does.

 

 

[ItsNotGonnaBeAlright]

Nice.

As a side note, if any Panther wins an award this year, I'm hoping its TD getting Man of the Year. Not as a way to "make up" for being underrated and under appreciated, but because the guy puts so much into his charity work and it would be nice to see him recognized for that.