4 critical observations from the Panthers success vs. Saints in Week 3

Carolina Panthers OLB Frankie Luvu is that guy

Questions were floating amongst Carolina Panthers fans about whether or not Frankie Luvu would be ready for the higher workload he’d have to undertake this season. When Haason Reddick left in free agency it was noted that the Washington State product would be the one to start in his place and has certainly proved to be an amble replacement.

While Luvu doesn’t offer the pass-rushing ability of someone like Reddic, he is just a guy that makes plays. Something that was once again evident against the New Orleans Saints.

Through the first three games of the season, Luvu has 21 tackles and has been a driving force on defense. A lot was been made leading up to this game about the Panthers being the only team in the NFL without a takeaway, something the outside linebacker rectified in the first quarter.

Luvu met Alvin Kamara in the backfield with ferocity, ripping the ball from the stud running back’s grasp, allowing Marquis Haynes to scoop the ball and take it 44 yards to the house.

Luvu showed a season ago in a small sample size the kind of player he could be. It’s clear through the first three games that the second-level defender has the skills for a prolonged career in the NFL.

Last season Luvu signed a two-year $9 million deal with $4.5 million guaranteed. While it’s only been three games the one-time undrafted free agent is proving to be an absolute steal.

If Luvu continues to play at the high level we’ve seen so far, the Panthers would be advised to extend him in the offseason before he garners interest from elsewhere.