Bear Breakdown: Analyzing the Panthers’ Defense for Week 8

For a team that has lost two of its best players to injury, linebacker Jon Beason and cornerback Chris Gamble, it would be expected to struggle defensively. Through their first six games of the season, the Carolina Panthers‘ defense is allowing over 360 total yards and giving up 24 points per game.  While not the best numbers in the league, it is an improvement over last year where they gave up over 370 yards and 27 points per game. The Panthers took a step at upgrading their defense in this past years’ draft, selecting middle linebacker Luke Kuechly out of Boston College with the ninth overall pick.  Kuechly has lived up to expectations this season, holding down the middle linebacker position and leading the team with 51 tackles. He started the season on the weak-side before the injury to Beason moved him to his natural position inside.  His anticipation and knowledge of the game is more similar to a seasoned veteran than a rookie and he has an uncanny nose for the football. Vetera...