The Carolina Panthers didn't finish their incredible 2015 season they way they wanted with them hoisting the Lombardi Trophy, but they do have a talented roster returning in 2016 and should be considered one of the earlier favorites coming out of the NFC.
2015 NFL MVP Cam Newton is looking for his team to continue to dominate on the field next season, and general manager Dave Gettleman has made some strong moves in free agency this offseason to help bolster their roster. The Panthers were able to re-sign defensive end Charles Johnson on a cheaper contract after releasing him earlier this offseason and are looking for middle linebacker Luke Kuechly to continue to be the leader for their defense.
The Panthers star middle linebacker is six weeks removed from shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum that he suffered during the regular season finale. Panthers fans got some good news from the hard-hitting linebacker when he gave an update on his rehab. "It's been good. I've been here (in the training room) for the most part," Kuechly said. "I'm feeling better and it just takes time. It's a process and these guys do a great job. We're on schedule."
Despite the injury, Kuechly still excelled in the postseason for the Panthers defense and became the first player in the history of the NFL to return two interceptions for touchdowns in consecutive playoff games. The Panthers' 6-foot-3, 238-pound linebacker still delivered some punishing blows despite his shoulder injury in the postseason, and he has been a tackling machine for Carolina since winning the Defensive Rookie of the Year award during the 2012 season.
As a 2015 Defensive Player of the Year candidate, Kuechly recorded 118 combined tackles, four interceptions, a sack and forced two fumbles, and, at 24-years-old, likely still has his best football ahead of him. Kuechly has been known as a consistent hard worker who is always looking to improve, and he has found ways to prepare himself for the 2016 season without being able to do his normal offseason regiment.
"There are some different exercises to do - I'm doing a lot of bike stuff and lower body stuff," Kuechly said. "It's going to be a gradual process. Once everybody gets back I'll be able to do some stuff, but they are going to alter and modify what I can do. We have time so we might as well use the time."
The Panthers star linebacker is looking to be at full strength prior to the start of the 2016 season and has been already proved himself to be one of the elite defensive players in the league through his first four NFL seasons.
