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Wait so they didn’t fall apart down the stretch?

What football are you watching?

I can see your point with this for previous games. However,

The 16 tackles were against and 11-1 Falcons, and the Panthers had the ball 11 minutes longer.

Just saying

Bobby’s a beast too.

Not saying that’s the case, I made those numbers up off the top of my head, but to look at just one number and declare it over isn’t fair to other contenders.

I’m sorry, but he’s not on Kuechly’s level. There’s a reason why Luke was touted as one of best LB prospects in years, and it was on display against The Falcons on Sunday. Not only did he make 16 tackles, but he countered Matt Ryan’s audibles and made pre-snap adjustments on the defense like a commander.

David’s pass coverage skills are also not on par with Kuechly’s.

Both players definitely belong in the debate for DROY. It’s really up to the media guys who vote on this to take a good, objective look at the players, their contributions to their teams, the types of plays they make, and vote accordingly. More casual fans can be lazy and pick a favorite based on numbers or being a homer, but the journalists who actually get to vote really need to do their homework and give it to the player they feel is the most deserving, not whoever has the “buzz” at the time.

If you think Wagner doesn’t belong in the conversation based on his second-round draft status, or the fact you never heard of the kid from Utah State as opposed to the guy from Boston College with top-ten-pick pedigree, you’re delusional. That said, as a ‘Hawk homer, if Kuechly winds up winning it, I’m not going to get angry, like some Niner fans did when Von Miller got it over Aldon Smith last year. These are two outstanding young defensive players who should serve their teams well over the long term, and heck, there are a few young CBs out there who deserve strong consideration for the award as well.

How about this guy is a rookie leading the league in tackles and didn’t start middle line backer till game 5.

He has a tremendous motor and you can tell he is passionate about the game. I don’t want to point to tackles and say he’s a great player because as Darinn Grant pointed out in his story, that is a misleading stat. But, he’s a game-changer and without him, who knows what the Panthers defense would do.