5 pleasant surprises from the Carolina Panthers 2022 season
Frankie Luvu – Carolina Panthers LB
- 111 tackles
- 19 tackles for loss
- 7 sacks
- 1 interception
- 1 defensive touchdown
After playing solid as a substitute linebacker last season, Frankie Luvu got the opportunity to be a starting linebacker next to Shaq Thompson. He took the opportunity that was given to him in no uncertain terms en route to an incredible season.
Luvu racked up the stats, having 111 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, and seven sacks. And for good measure, he had a pick-six as well.
Not only was Luvu the biggest playmaker on defense this season. But he was also the most consistent Carolina Panthers player on a defense that demonstrated tremendous growth at times.
Going into every game, the team could trust that Luvu would play at a high level. He was one of Carolina’s top performers this season and those in power were right to keep him around last spring.
A lot of people around football thought that Luvu was snubbed of an All-Pro selection. They would be right in thinking that. He was undoubtedly one of the elite defensive players in the NFL this season.
Luvu has one more season left on his contract, and he is still in his prime. After what he accomplished in 2022, expectations are going to be high, but the one-time Washington State star has the instincts, talent, and mindset to meet or even exceed those in 2023.