3 winners and 3 losers from Carolina Panthers first preseason game
By Jason Huber
Frankie Luvu – Carolina Panthers LB
If there was one big team takeaway from the first preseason game, it has to be how the backup defensive players performed.
Linebacker Frankie Luvu, who signed with the Carolina Panthers this offseason after spending three years with the New York Jets, was one of the biggest players to step up against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.
Luvu’s biggest play of the day was a huge third-down sack on quarterback Jacob Eason in the second quarter for a loss of 13 yards. Something that shifted the momentum further in Carolina’s favor.
The hit was Luvu’s only tackle of the day but he held his own on defense, looking like he was reading the offense well and not making any noticeable mistakes.
The 24-year-old is currently listed behind Shaq Thompson at the will-linebacker spot and should help provide some needed linebacker depth this season.
This was obviously sorely lacking during the previous campaign – the first without iconic figure Luke Kuechly – but providing Denzel Perryman returns from injury soon, this potential problem might be a thing of the past.
It was a solid performance overall for Luvu, who should also be able to assist on special teams if he makes the 53-man roster later this month.