Kuechly lone Panthers Pro Bowl representative
Linebacker Luke Kuechly was the only Carolina Panthers player named to the Pro Bowl for the 2017 season…
The Carolina Panthers are 10-4 and on the verge of their fourth playoff appearance in five seasons. Lifted by dominant defensive play early, more recently it has been quarterback Cam Newton and the offense carrying the load. Essentially, it has been a combined team effort leading to the Panthers success this season. Linebacker Luke Kuechly remains the quarterback of the defense and was recently awarded for his efforts.
While arguments exist for many other players to have been named Pro Bowlers, such as defensive linemen Julius Peppers or Mario Addison, only Kuechly was awarded the honor. His fifth such selection, Kuechly has been named to the annual all-star game every year except his rookie season.
Despite missing the Panthers game at Chicago in Week 7 with a concussion, Kuechly remains the team leader in tackles, interceptions and fumble recoveries. His 107 tackles exceed last season, as the Panthers core linebacker is on pace for his most stops since the 2014 season.
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Lurking in the middle and arguably serving as one of the best coverage linebackers in the league his three interceptions fall just one shy of his career high, when Kuechly had four in two different years (2015, 2013).
Finally, his scoop and score helped turn the tide against New York giving Carolina a lead they wouldn’t relinquish for the remainder of the game. Scoring his second career touchdown, Kuechly has enjoyed a nice season and still has two games left to make an impact.
The Pro Bowl is scheduled to be played in the traditional NFC vs. AFC format on Sunday, January 28. Between conference championship weekend and the Super Bowl some selected individuals will not be able to participate. Those selected for the honor who will be playing in the big game with their teams are not expected to play in the NFL exhibition.
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If Carolina reaches their third Super Bowl in franchise history, then Kuechly nor any other slighted Panthers will feel bad about missing the game. View the full Pro Bowl roster here.