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Ron Rivera: Panthers' Luke Kuechly playing better than 2013 MVP season

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Outside linebacker Thomas Davis thought he might have a chance to lead the Carolina Panthers in tackles after Luke Kuechly missed three and a half games with a concussion.

Nothing against Davis, but Carolina coach Ron Rivera always had his money on Kuechly.

"He's a middle linebacker," Rivera said Wednesday. "That's what they do. That's what he does. He's got a great sense and feel for getting to the ball. I knew he would [lead the team].

"The thing about TD, he was able to do some of the things that Luke was doing for us, and that helped catapult him out ahead.