Luke Kuechly, 2013 Defensive Player of the Year
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NaVorro Bowman seemed like the clear choice at the time, out-tackling the Panthers linebacker 120 to 96 and being more disruptive in the turnover game; Kuechly had four interceptions but didn’t force or recover a fumble. Bowman forced six and recovered two, and had two inreceptions — including an 89-yard pick six to seal a playoff berth for the 49ers in Week 16. Bowman also had five sacks to Kuechly’s two.