Frankie Luvu has doubled his career tackle total in 14 games this season – he’d played 56 games over four seasons.
Luvu has stepped into a starting role for the first time in his career and has blown past expectations and into potential stardom. The 26-year-old has been proficient in all areas, from rushing the passer to press-man coverage and impressed the coaching staff in the process.
He uses his quickness and high football IQ to anticipate blocks and get into the backfield at an elite level. As a result, he’s tied with Brian Burns for fourth in the league in tackles for loss with 17 apiece. They need 3 to tie Luke Kuechly for the franchise record.
Luvu can track down running backs laterally and defend tight ends vertically. He’s an all-around athlete, a talent at linebacker that the Panthers have sorely missed for several seasons now.
Here’s how Luvu has become a weapon for Carolina at multiple levels of the defense:
Play Recognition
Luvu lined up a few yards back from the line and off to the outside, peering into the backfield. When Brady sent Ko Kieft in motion, Luvu sprang inside of Godwin, lined up tight, diagnosing the run. After coming off the line untouched, Luvu slipped a massive block from the pulling guard and lunged to trip up Rachaad White on the counter, picking up one of his three tackles for loss on the day.
Luvu recognized the run play, with specialized run personnel like Kieft in motion, and made the pre-snap adjustment to put himself in a position to make a play. He also diagnosed the pulling offensive lineman and was able to escape the block.
This was one of several key plays made in the Panthers’ postseason bid that came up short. But Luvu had a career day, racking up 13 tackles, 3 TFL, a QB hit and a sack. He played every defensive snap and has done so for three-straight weeks.
Here’s Luvu’s game tape from last week, where he’s seen making plays all over the field, from the sideline to the backfield.
#49 Frankie Luvu has had a breakout year on the Panthers defense in his first year as a full time starter (he went from 249 defensive snaps in 2021 to 880 this season).
Luvu is a versatile defender who can play on and off the ball and fill up the box score. Just a fun player. pic.twitter.com/q3188O4u7g
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) January 6, 2023
He could be the anticipatory, high-speed linebacker that Carolina has been searching for since the abrupt departure of Kuechly.
Speed
On CJ Henderson’s interception of Geno Smith, it was Frankie Luvu charging up the gut, untouched, to rush the throw. It was Luvu who got the pick-six for the opening score against the Cardinals.
At 6’3” 235 lbs, what Luvu lacks in size he makes up for in speed and hustle. Not just plain heart but risking yourself in practice and preseason-type hustle. Frankie Luvu knows what it’s like not to play, and he flies around the field without restraint so he never has to again.
Here’s a video of him in training camp, going full superman to break up an out route from PJ Walker where he displays great closing speed.
Frankie Luvu is going to have a breakout year pic.twitter.com/jvsSIkd9xa
— 𓃵 (@Goaty_Szn) June 14, 2022
Luvu has some of the best lateral quickness in football, able to chase running backs and receivers down to the sideline. He showed that off in excess against Tampa Bay last week.
Ferocity
Luvu has a nose for the football, and it better be protected when he gets there. Against the Saints, Luvu made a swim move past his blocker and ripped the ball out of Alvin Kamara’s hands before throwing a vicious block on QB Jameis Winston to clear the way for a Marquise Haynes house call.
Frankie Luvu is next up 😤 pic.twitter.com/5RLhwsT1gi
— PFF CAR Panthers (@PFF_Panthers) September 25, 2022
This was also the opening score for Carolina in a game they would go on to win. That’s twice this season that Luvu has started the scoring for the Panthers out of six wins. His play has been a large part of the Panthers’ defensive success this season.
When the ball is in the backfield, nobody gets there faster than Frankie — his ability to sniff out runs for losses is among the best in football. He’s fidgets constantly like a mental patient, never still with his feet or his eyes on the field.
Against the Falcons, Luvu got one of his seven sacks after not even rushing to start the play. Starting up on the line, Luvu dropped back as a QB spy with his eyes glued to Mariota in the backfield. When Mariota escaped the pocket, Luvu drifted with him and then took off on a straight line from the pocket’s edge to Mariota outside the hash, where he flattened the QB.
We don’t talk enough about the year Frankie Luvu is having
– 56 Total Tackles
– 12 TFL
– 5 Sacks
– 3 Pass Breakups
– 1 INT (1 TD)
– 1 FR
– 1000% Dawg #ProBowlVote Frankie Luvu pic.twitter.com/UxkdJHeDos— IamMontyFetti 🖤💙✊🏾 (@4MR_Monty) December 17, 2022
These are the types of plays that separate Luvu from other linebackers. He has legitimate speed and a hunger to tackle, making plays in situations where he might not be expected to. Carolina needs that playmaking ability at the second level to complement Jaycee Horn and Brian Burns, and Luvu has provided it all season long.
Coaches on Luvu
Interim defensive coordinator Al Holcomb said that he’s been a key player for the defense this season.
“I think Frankie Luvu has had a heck of a year,” Holcomb said. “It’s the tenacity and the speed in which he plays the game. I think he’s been a factor for us in the run game and in the pass game.”
Before this season, Luvu had shown flashes of big-play ability with some forced fumbles, a punt block and some other impressive athletic feats. But this season, he’s progressed into a consistent playmaker with high intelligence and adaptability at multiple levels of the defense. His impact in Carolina will be felt for years to come.
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