This week, all 32 SB Nation NFL sites are picking their team’s first half most valuable player. For the Panthers, that is none other than linebacker Luke Kuechly. The Panthers’ reputation as having one of the best defenses in the league is largely thanks to Kuechly’s leadership and skill. His impact shows up on the stat sheet too. Let’s take a look at what he’s done so far this year:
Kuechly currently leads the Panthers in tackles and has played 1.5 fewer games than his defensive teammates. He missed the Panthers’ Week 7 game with the Bears in Chicago after suffering a concussion during the first half of their Week 6 Thursday night clash with the Eagles, but if no one told you that before last week’s game against the Buccaneers then you wouldn’t have known.