Rams defensive end Robert Quinn earned some praise from his teammates on Sunday as he added to his case for Defensive Player of the Year with three sacks against the Buccaneers.
Quinn’s not the only contender for that prize, however, and he wasn’t the only contender to leave his teammates praising his work on Sunday. Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly had 24 tackles, the most in the NFL since David Harris had the same number in 2007, and an interception of Saints quarterback Drew Brees in a driving rainstorm to help the Panthers stay in position for Cam Newton’s game-winning touchdown. It’s the first time since 2001 that a player has had 20 tackles and a pick in one game, at least a player in an actual game.
“I mean, 24 tackles in an NFL game? That’s like a created player in Madden,” safety Mike Mitchell said, via the Charlotte Observer. “That’s not supposed to happen.”
Kuechly gave the credit for his game to the team’s coaches and the defensive line and there’s certainly enough plaudits to go around for one of the league’s best defenses. Kuechly is clearly the leader of that defense, though, and that could lead to accolades for him individually while the team tries to continue their excellent play across the board from the last three months.