Two Panthers Shine Despite Record

Even with a 1-5 record, both Greg Olsen and Luke Kuechly continue to shine for the Carolina Panthers…

Following a year in which the Carolina Panthers lost one regular season game and marched to a Super Bowl 50 appearance, losing five of their first six games in 2016 seemed unfathomable. Carolina was expected to dominate the NFC South again despite the departure of cornerback Josh Norman. However, once quarterback Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons exposed the Panthers’ secondary, a possible return to the playoffs began to seem far fetched.

However, two Panthers continue to shine and are on pace for career seasons despite the losing record. Both tight end Greg Olsen and linebacker Luke Kuechly are having remarkable years as each continues to impress week in and week out. Watching these two in action brings about a feeling of hope for the remainder of the season. If both continue to perform and others follow, a turnaround is not out of the question.

January 23, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Carolina Panthers players Team Irvin linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) and Team Carter tight end Greg Olsen (88) during photo day at The Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Greg Olsen is currently the second leading receiver in the entire league. Not the second tight end, the second receiver behind Atlanta’s Julio Jones and above Cincinnati’s A.J. Green. Olsen has been targeted 59 times securing 39 receptions for 610 yards and two touchdowns. He is one of three receivers, with Jones and Green, averaging over 100 yards per game and leads the NFL in first downs converted. Through six games, Olsen’s 610 yards are higher than four of his previous nine years in the league. After a monster 2015 in which Olsen scored seven touchdowns and recorded his second 1,000+ yard receiving season for the Carolina Panthers, he is currently on pace to break his career high by over 500 yards.

Opposite Olsen on the defensive side of the football, linebacker Luke Kuechly has been equally as impressive. Currently tied for the league lead in tackles, Kuechly has led the NFL for two of his four seasons and is currently on pace to break his own records. With 164 tackles during his rookie season, Kuechly led the league and was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year. Through six games he has recorded 68 tackles, or a little over 11 per game. If Kuechly sustains his pace during the remainder of the season, he will finish 2016 with approximately 181 tackles.

Even in the face of adversity, both Olsen and Kuechly continue to perform at a high level. If the Carolina Panthers hope to turn their fortunes following the bye week, it will continue to be on the shoulders of these two superstars.