5 Carolina Panthers who’ve exceeded expectations at the bye week
By Dean Jones
Frankie Luvu – Carolina Panthers OLB
The story surrounding Frankie Luvu is an inspirational one. Picked up as something of a flier in free agency following an inconsistent spell on the New York Jets, the outside linebacker has emerged from a roster bubble player in training camp to a key piece of the Carolina Panthers rotation on defense.
Luvu learned all about what it takes to be a solid professional from the late, great Kevin Greene – a former Panthers superstar who remains one of the franchise’s best-ever sack getters.
The former Washington State standout might not have the same ability getting into the backfield. But one cannot understate just how good Luvu has been from a rotational role in 2021.
His effort on almost every down is first class.
More importantly, Luvu also has tremendous instincts to be around the football consistently.
Despite being on the field for just 21 percent of Carolina’s defensive snaps this season, Luvu has 23 tackles, 1.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries, four tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, six pressures, and a 77.8 grade from Pro Football Focus to show for his efforts.
Talk about high impact.
The Panthers got more than they ever dreamed of where Luvu is concerned. There are many questions surrounding other linebackers currently on the roster, but extending him should be an absolute no-brainer if the money is right.