Did Panthers Find Their Superman On Defense?(Nfl.com)

[jasonluckydog]

The

Carolina Panthers

couldn't have hit a bigger home run in last year's draft. Armed with the top overall pick, they grabbed Cam Newton and watched the rookie quarterback transform their offense. The team went from scoring an NFL-worst 12.2 points per game in 2010 to 25.4 last season, tied for fifth best in the league.N

ewton didn't do this alone, but he came close. Nobody wanted to deal with Carolina's offense by season's end, but the Panthers were made human by their defense.

We can't give Carolina a top grade in this draft because they failed to address the defensive tackle position, but there's no mistake about the first round: They hit it big with Luke Kuechly.

Just as Newton did at quarterback, Kuechly turns the linebacker position from a weakness into a strength, based on the health of

Jon Beason.

Kuechly projects as a middle backer long-term, but will likely start on the weakside with Beason lined up inside. Kuechly is praised for his versatility and steady play; a smart defender who spoke to Panthers reporters about his love of preparation. He's mature,

but said, "You can be a different person when you play. You don't have to be nice. You can change your mind-set a little bit."

"He's exactly what we thought he is," coach Ron Rivera

told the team's official site after Friday's rookie

Didnt see this posted

http://www.nfl.com/n...rman-on-defense

[IplayedCam#1317]

Jon Beason is superman.

[I am Hubby]

You can never have enough Supermans on your team. The more the merrier and all that jazz.

[Mother Grabber]

Luke Kuechly is only the 4th best LB in the NFL.

[Jackofalltrades]

Anderson - Beason - Kuechly

That just looks nasty. Throw TD in there and our D should turn some heads this season.

[The Huddler]

^^^Bam

[Argus Plexus]

I thought this was understood already

[Ivan The Awesome]

Wish the season started today.

[jayflip]

Beastin' and Keekin' our way to a top defensive unit.

[Actionman0z]

I cant wait for the season to start... but I want to make sure JB and TD are ready to go. But yes, on paper our LB corps looks nasty. I just wish we had Mason Foster too.

[klbishop143]

We making up names for our LB core now?

Beason - Beast (already established)

Kuechly - Clark Kent? (kinda weak nickname)

TD - ?

Andy - ?

Think we just need a group nickname, like mt rushmore or something not that gay

(just trying to start something)

[Icege]

I think we need to just call them, "the linebackers"

[klbishop143]

I think we need to just call them, "the linebackers"

yeah, "the linebackers". thats cool.

We dont need no sissy nickname like the "orange crush" or the "steel curtain". we'll just stick with "the linebackers". awesome.

[Toundra]

Triple trouble ^^