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Panthers defense/special teams: Regular season report card

By Brandon Scott

CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 24: Luke Kuechly #59 talks to his Carolina Panthers teammates against the New Orleans Saints during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 24, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 24: Luke Kuechly #59 talks to his Carolina Panthers teammates against the New Orleans Saints during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 24, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Carolina Panthers
CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 24: Julius Peppers #90 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after a play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Defensive Line: 87, B

A at 49ers, B vs. Bills, C vs. Saints, C+ at Patriots
A at Lions, C- vs. Eagles, A at Bears, A at Bucs
B+ vs. Falcons, B- vs. Dolphins, A at Jets, B- at Saints
A vs. Vikings, B vs. Packers, A vs. Buccaneers, B at Falcons

The Panthers defensive line has performed well all season leading the way and allowing for linebackers Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis and Shaq Thompson room to operate behind them. Their worst performance came against NFC top seed, Philadelphia on a Thursday night.

Led by veterans Julius Peppers and Charles Johnson on the outside, both Mario Addison and Wes Horton have developed into consistent and reliable playmakers. Inside, Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short control the middle with rotational snaps taken by Kyle Love.

Last year’s first-round pick Vernon Butler has also seen increased playing time along the defensive line, continuing his development and increasing his productivity late in the season.

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