CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Panthers' rookie linebacker Luke Kuechly has grown accustomed to winning awards and with the way he's currently playing more could soon be on the way.

Kuechly leads the NFL with 131 tackles and is making a strong push for defensive rookie of the year honors. Kuechly had 16 tackles this past Sunday as the Panthers held the Falcons to 35 yards rushing in a 30-20 victory earning him NFC defensive player of the week honors.

The attention makes the humble 21-year-old a little uncomfortable, prompting him to deflect all the credit to his defensive teammates.

But coaches and teammates alike see incredible potential in Kuechly.

Coach Ron Rivera says with Cam Newton and Kuechly the Panthers have ``their quarterbacks of the future on both sides of the ball.''