2 winners and 2 losers from Carolina Panthers’ loss at the Saints in Week 17

Frankie Luvu – Carolina Panthers OLB

Very quietly since he arrived with the Carolina Panthers this offseason, Frankie Luvu has been a solid role player on defense. Certainly far better than many anticipated when he arrived in free agency from the New York Jets.

While not being a full-time starter, Luvu has arguably had the best season of his four-year career. On Sunday, the outside linebacker got the recognition he deserved, putting together a career day against the New Orleans Saints offense.

Luvu registered a career-high nine tackles and three tackles for loss. He is now the only player in the NFL with at least eight tackles for loss in fewer than 300 defensive snaps played.

Despite missing their leader in sacks, Haason Reddick, and cornerback Stephon Gilmore, Carolina had one of its best defensive performances in weeks, and Luvu was a major part of that.

Luvu is still only 25-years-old and while he’s struggled when playing a major role at times this year, the Washington State product has earned a larger role wherever he ends up next.

Hopefully, the Panthers can keep Luvu around. His energy and instincts would be sorely missed.