Kuechly had this to say about during his acceptance speech, “”These honors tonight are individual awards, but football is such a team game that you’ve got to thank the guys around you, the D-line plays such an integral part in being a successful linebacker. It’s important to give some thanks to them and to the coaches and all the players, and most importantly to my family for making this possible.”

Dec 23, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) stands on the field during a timeout in the fourth quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Bank of America Stadium. Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Jon Beason had this to say about his replacement at Middle Linebacker, in an interview with the Official Panthers website, “He did it flawlessly. I can’t say enough about him, Luke’s a great player, and his preparation is what sets him apart. His instincts and football IQ are just through the roof.”

Kuechly rounded out the season with a league leading 164 tackles, 1 sack, 2 interceptions, and 3 recovered fumbles. He apparently also had 205 stops, according to coaches’ review, a franchise record. A stop is a stat that I didn’t realize was recorded.

Rounding out the award winners were Adrian Peterson winning MVP and Offensive Player of the Year. Peyton Manning won the Comeback Player of the Year, J.J. Watt won the Defensive Player of the Year, and RGIII took over for Cam Newton winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year. Dallas Cowboys Tight End Jason Witten received the Walter Payton Man of the Year award, given to him for his integrity and charitable actions off the field.

So cheers to Luke Kuechly, a Carolina Panther that all fans should be proud of! Personally I can’t wait to see his contributions to the team next year with the return of Jon Beason, and I’m sure I’m not the only one.

Dec 9, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) on the field in the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Many fans and football pundits were puzzled by the drafting of Kuechly by Carolina. Seeing as how they had 3 quality linebackers and a Pro Bowler at the middle backer position, why the need to draft Kuechly? Well great move by the Panthers front office. Luke has turned out to be the best defensive player taken in the 1st round to this point and it can be argued that he is the best player on an injury riddled Panthers defense.

I don’t want to sound like a heretic, but I truly believe Kuechly has won the starting middle linebacker position. He has come in as a rookie and taken control of the defensive calls on the field, he makes certain everyone is lined up in the proper positions, and he has become a leader of that defensive unit. Should Jon Beason return next year I would hope him ready to take on another position among the linebacking corps.  Nothing would please me more than to see all 4 of our linebackers on the field at the same time, I doubt it will happen however seeing how bad the team is in regards to salary cap space. We will in all likelihood see the departure of Jon Beason.

Kuechly has a history of piling up tackles. While at Boston College in a 3 year collegiate career, Kuechly compiled a staggering 532 tackles. He has always had a nose for the ball but the leadership qualities he has exhibited have really been impressive. In the unfortunate event of the release of Beason I am thrilled to know our defense will continue to be in good hands under the on-field leadership of Luke Kuechly.

God Bless!

Follow me on Twitter @JoeRiollano

January 1, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

Here’s how I would like to see our depth chart look at the beginning of the season:

Carolina Panthers 2012 Depth Chart

QB- Cam Newton, Derek Anderson, Jimmy Clausen
RB- DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, Princeton McCarty
FB- Mike Tolbert, Gary Barnidge
WR- Steve Smith, Brandon LaFell, Keolah Pilares
WR- David Gettis, Joe Adams, Darvin Adams
TE- Greg Olsen, Gary Barnidge, Ben Hartsock
LT- Jordan Gross, Bruce Campbell,
LG- Amini Sliatolu, Mike Pollack
C- Ryan Kalil, Geoff Hangartner,
RG- Geoff Hangartner, Lee Zimba
RT- Jeff Otah, Garry Williams, Byron Bell
DE- Charles Johnson, Frank Alexander
DE- Greg Hardy, Thomas Keiser, Antwan Applewhite
DT- Ron Edwards, Sione Fua, Jason Shirley
DT- Terrel McClain, Frank Kearse
WLB- Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis,
MLB- Jon Beason, Luke Kuechly, Jordan Senn
SLB- James Anderson, Jason Williams
CB- Chris Gamble, Josh Norman, Darius Butler
CB- Brandon Hogan, Captain Munnerlyn
SS- Charles Godfrey, Jordan Pugh
FS- Reggie Smith, Haruki Nakamura
K- Olindo Mare
P- Brad Nortman,
KR- Joe Adams, Keolah Pilares
PR- Joe Adams, Keolah Pilares

* Princeton McCarty is an undrafted free agent we signed. Since Tolbert has officially been labeled by Hurney and Rivera as a fullback that means that there is going to be a pretty fierce competition for the 3rd running back spot. McCarty is a smaller back, but has blazing speed and could replace Goodson as the “scat-back”.

I think Gettis has loads of potential and will be able to put up big numbers if he’s given a full year as a starter. I think he’ll beat out LaFell for starting spot in camp. But even if he does LaFell is a solid player and will still see a bunch of playing time.

Outside of Chris Gamble the corner position is kind of up for grabs, however, i just dont think Munnerlyn has the talent to cover the better receivers in this league and its time we went in another direction. I like Hogan and if he’s healthy and given an opportunity I think he’ll shine. And I also believe Norman could compete for a starting spot as well.

Sherrod Martin should not be a starting safety in this league and its time we cut ties with him. Reggie Smith started games for San Francisco and played well so he should do until we can draft a more permanent guy, but he’s definitely an upgrade from Martin.

Feel free to comment and give your suggestions about what you agree with or disagree with.