5 Carolina Panthers players who could surprise vs. NY Jets in Week 1

Frankie Luvu – Carolina Panthers OLB

All the talk will be of Sam Darnold and Robby Anderson going up against their former team in Week 1. But it’s worth remembering that Frankie Luvu also has some scores to settle.

The Washington State product spent the first three years of his career at MetLife Stadium before both parties went their separate ways this offseason. Luvu was brought in by the Carolina Panthers on a bargain-basement deal, but he was right on the fringes in terms of winning a spot on the 53-man roster.

How quickly things changed for Luvu.

He quickly imposed himself in training camp and took this form into his time on the field in preseason games. This saw Luvu emerge from the roster bubble to a key part of the linebacker rotation.

And make no mistake, Luvu deserves it.

The player’s fire and will to win went down extremely well with teammates and the coaching staff alike. Luvu won’t need any extra motivation against his old employers in Week 1, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the player pick up a highlight or two along the way.

Not only this, but Luvu could also be a real asset on special teams. An area of the field that Matt Rhule and his staff have focused heavily on in recent weeks.