The Carolina Panthers enter their Week 4 bye week at 2-2 with a ton of momentum, following their win on Sunday Night Football against the Detroit Lions.
It is a week to help the team grade and re-evaluate the state of the roster as they continue their pursuit of successfully defending last year’s NFC South title. One player I’m taking a closer look at this week is linebacker Devin Lloyd, one of their biggest coups of the offseason after signing him to a three-year, $45 million contract.
We know how good Lloyd has been, but just how good was he in his first few games with Carolina? Let’s grade his first quarter of the season.
Grading Devin Lloyd’s first three games with the Carolina Panthers
Week 1 vs. Chicago Bears: B-
Let’s start with Lloyd's first game against the Chicago Bears. I thought the former Jacksonville Jaguar had a solid game, though nothing special to the nature that he changed the game for the Panthers.
Lloyd had a horrific Pro Football Focus grade, but the tape showed a different story.
He did well with his run-fit keys and funneled to the ball carrier well while offering the change of direction to work to the backside if the running back found the back door.
Lloyd got swallowed up on stretch plays and couldn’t get off blocks in those instances. Overall, it was a solid debut from the second-team All-Pro who flashed his capabilities.
Week 2 at Atlanta Falcons: A+
Without a doubt, this was the best linebacker performance I have witnessed since Pro Football Hall of Famer Luke Kuechly was playing for the Panthers. With nine tackles, three pass breakups, two tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions, including a pick-six, Lloyd earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Lloyd was fantastic in coverage, as the box score matches the tape here. He was everywhere in the run game with excellent block deconstruction and fits, using his length and athleticism to get himself to the ball carrier.
This game is up there as a top-three overall performance in the NFL this season, in my opinion. No doubt this earns the highest grade of his first three games.
Week 4 vs. Detroit Lions: A
Lloyd didn’t have a monster performance, but he was one of the key reasons why Lions star running back Jahmyr Gibbs was held under 50 total yards.
The physicality at the point of attack was evident in this game, as was Lloyd’s coverage ability to close off the middle of the field for Jared Goff at moments. His ability as a blitzer and force defender in the run game was on display, and it led to an impressive showing from the Panthers' defense despite missing their top two cornerbacks.
Lloyd didn't have a negative rep in this game, and that is why his most recent performance earned him a solid A.
Overall grade: A-
The 2022 first-round pick has emerged as one of the NFL's best linebackers and is a force to be reckoned with on the Panthers' defense. This is something the franchise has not had since Kuechly retired, and the results are showing three games into his Carolina career.
The first quarter of Lloyd's season has been great, and he could be on his way to yet another All-Pro season if he keeps up this pace.
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