PFF: Has Carolina been using the wrong linebacker to back up Kuechly?

[TN05]

Quote

LB: David Mayo, 87.2

Big plays bottled up the Bucs — and has Carolina been using the wrong linebacker to back up Kuechly?

The Panthers’ defense were able to force a few big plays to end Bucs drives, but the play of LB David Mayo was most notable, flashing the kind of ability he showed in college and suggesting that maybe the Panthers have had the wrong linebacker starting in place of Luke Kuechly with A.J Klein. Mayo had a team-high four defensive stops despite playing just 21 snaps, and allowed only five yards in coverage, while Klein has a season grade of 44.6. James Bradberry’s pick continued a rookie season of flashing big-time potential.

People dogged on Getts for the David Mayo pick, but he's been a good special teamer and certainly looked like he fit at linebacker yesterday. 

[top dawg]

Yeah, this was noted yesterday. 

So many people thought that it was crazy to suggest a trade of Klein for something before the deadline. I guess they didn't fully appreciate Mayo. I always suspected he could be at least as good. Glad to see him get an opportunity, albeit late (but perhaps just in time). 

If Klein moves on, perhaps his future play will land us a comp pick. This will make trading that fourth away for Lee much more palatable.

[TN05]

3 minutes ago, top dawg said:

Yeah, this was noted yesterday. 

So many people thought that it was crazy to suggest a trade of Klein for something before the deadline. I guess they didn't fully appreciate Mayo. I always suspected he could be at least as good. Glad to see him get an opportunity, albeit late (but perhaps just in time). 

If Klein moves on, perhaps his future play will land us a comp pick. This will make trading that fourth away for Lee much more palatable.

People really hated that Mayo pick for some reason, but I think it's pretty clear it was a wise move now. Probably the best late-round pick Gettleman has given us. 

[top dawg]

1 minute ago, TN05 said:

People really hated that Mayo pick for some reason, but I think it's pretty clear it was a wise move now. Probably the best late-round pick Gettleman has given us. 

Fair to say! 

I just wish Rivera would consistently give these hungry guys  an opportunity when those in front of them basically poo the bed. It always takes an injury with Rivera. Perhaps I am being hard on him, but great coaches have vision (see Belichick), and Rivera is lacking in this department. Don't get me wrong, I support him, but he needs to grow!

Mayo used to live in a shed. He had the wherewithal to make it to the NFL (thanks to Getty). Give the guy a shot to "tag (someone's) fanny!"

[KillerKat]

I'd still like to keep Klein though. Even if Mayo pans out, it's good to have 2 good backups instead of just 1 for each position like Klein was.