Luke Kuechly: 'Pre-season turnovers encouraging'

Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly feels that his side's defensive performances in pre-season have been encouraging.

The Panthers scored three touchdowns on defense against the reigning Super Bowl champions in their clash at M & T Bank Stadium in a 34-27 win.

"We've had quite a few turnovers in each game and that's huge for us," Kuechly told the Charlotte Observer.

"Any time you can score 21 points on defense and score a touchdown on special teams, hopefully you can get a win from that."

Kuechly was voted the NFL defensive rookie of the year last season.