The Carolina Panthers aren’t bringing in much attention these days. And if they are, it’s because of what’s happening on the offensive side of the ball—where they’re experiencing, if we may be so polite, a “funk.”
So, it’s almost a shame that the other side of the ball—where multiple players have been coming into their own—has become pretty neglected. But, we’re here to shed a light on the imprssive unit, and on one man in particular.
That man is strongside linebacker Frankie Luvu, the emotional and physical leader of this budding Panthers defense.
Now, what has made Luvu so good to this point? Where did he come from?
It does seem like Luvu has shot up from irrelevancy, having been more of a special teams weapon than a defensive one between his time as a New York Jet and a Panther leading up to 2021. We did, however, have a hint of what could come last year, when he was used in spurts.
The 6-foot-3, 235-pounder was versatile and explosive, playing multiple positions in both the Sam and Mike linebacker spots. He also provided a much-needed jolt of energy that was often missing for Phil Snow’s group while posting career-highs in tackles (43) and fumble recoveries (three).
Luvu, through four games this season, has only built on his rapid progression from 2021. In fact, he’s becoming a key presence on the defense—almost reminiscent, perhaps, of a Luke Kuechly or a Thomas Davis.
It feels like every time the team needs a momentum shift from the defense, Luvu shows up and creates a big play to turn the tide. Heck, he’s already created two such turnovers—with a strip of New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara leading to a 44-yard return for a touchdown and a 33-yard dash to the end zone of his own last week on an interception.
Luvu even has the film buffs over at Pro Football Focus on notice. He’s currently graded at a 70.0 in run defense and a 70.7 in coverage—proving his value and that aforementioned versatility.
He’s shown he can burst through gaps, make plays behind the line and drop into coverage against against both tight ends and some receivers. He has been somewhat of a heat-seeking missile in his tackling, quickly identifying a play and shooting to stop forward momentum with a unique blend of athleticism and play recognition.
Alongside the maturation of two former first-round picks in cornerback Jaycee Horn and defensive tackle Derrick Brown, it has been wonderful to see that Luvu is climbing right with them. Adding to a small breakout stint in 2021, Luvu has proven the worth of his extension and turned into a focal point for an aggressive Panthers defense.
