OPINION SERIES: three unsung heroes on the Carolina Panthers defensive line

OPINION SERIES: three unsung heroes on the Carolina Panthers defensive line

Abbi Webb, Editor in Chief

When we watch NFL football, it can be easy to overlook those players who exert just as much, if not more, passion, fortitude and talent as the star players, but are not at the center of every play or the most talked about on the media. Football is a team sport and, inevitably, it is the abilities of these underrated players, these unsung heroes if you will, that determine the result of the game.

After struggling through the 2014 season as one of the worst teams in the NFL, The Carolina Panthers have managed to go undefeated for the first nine games of the 2015 season. In this three part series I will focus on a few of the somewhat underrated players on the Panthers defensive line, who are undoubtedly essential in the team’s sudden success. It’s time that we give credit where credit is due.

1. A.J. Klein, #56

After the Panthers best defensive middle linebacker, Luke Kuechly, suffered a severe concussion in the week one game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, A.J. Klein stepped in and helped the team off to a good start by playing exceptional individual defense. Despite having only started 10 games in his career, Klein seemed confident in his abilities to start in place of Kuechly, a two-time Pro Bowler, for the next five weeks. 

Klein has proven himself in a number of ways to be a more than capable starting linebacker. At the week three game against the New Orleans Saints, Klein had 10 total tackles, marking the first time in his career to reach double-digits in tackle performance, according to CBS Sports. His 2015 record of 29 solo tackles is already double that of his 2013 record of 18 solo tackles. At the week four game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Klein got what any NFL player could hope for: the title of team captain.

In an interview with Fox Sports, Klein said, “I definitely take a lot of pride in it. I obviously thanked coach for the opportunity to represent the defense as a captain. I take it very personally. I take a lot of pride in it. Just really thankful for that opportunity and we’ll see what happens going forward.”

Since Kuechly has returned, Klein has not been a starting player, but he has gotten more time on the field overall because of the opportunity he had to prove his strengths. I think we can expect more from Klein in the future because of his willingness to step up when help is needed and fully prepare for each game.

According to the Panthers official website, before he knew for certain if he would start in place of Kuechly, Klein said, “I’m not sure yet (if I am starting for Luke), but I’m preparing like I am. I prepare like I am going to start every single week. My approach doesn’t change. I’ll be ready to go.”

The views and opinions expressed in this editorial are solely those of the original author(s) These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of The Vision website or North Greenville University.