Carolina Panthers defense performance through first quarter of 2018

CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 07: Luke Kuechly #59 talks to teammate Mike Adams #29 of the Carolina Panthers against the New York Giants in the second quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NC – SEPTEMBER 23: Shaq Thompson #54 of the Carolina Panthers tackles Giovani Bernard #25 of the Cincinnati Bengals during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Linebacker: 82, B-

A- vs. Cowboys, C- at Falcons, B vs. Bengals, B- vs. Giants

The linebacker corps has obviously missed Davis but Luke Kuechly and Shaq Thompson have done a nice job working with those slated to fill his role. In a real group effort, numerous different players have appeared in various different formations for the Panthers over the first four games of the season.

New Carolina defensive coordinator Eric Washington has also used a nickel back in the secondary at times depending on the opponent, down and distance to help fill the void left by Davis’ absence.

As he returns the core of the Panthers defense will again be at full strength and should perform accordingly. Winning three games without Davis sets the bar high for a quality level of play moving forward.

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