On The Prowl 12/8: Kuechly Surprises Fan For 21st Birthday

KUECHLY GRANTS BIRTHDAY WISH FOR FAN: Two days before a dramatic Week 13 victory in New Orleans, Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly made a surprise visit to Jessica Hayes for her 21st birthday. Jessica has cerebral palsy and autism, but she also has a big heart for her family and her football team, just like Luke. Watch the video below and read more about Luke's birthday surprise here. PANTHERS REMAIN TOP TEAM IN POWER RANKINGS: Following New England's Week 12 loss to the Broncos, the Panthers advanced to the top slot in the majority of the weekly power rankings. Thanks to the victory over New Orleans, Carolina remains the top-ranked team for the second straight week. ESPN, CBS Sports, Fox Sports, NFL.com, USA Today and Yahoo Sports are among the major media outlets that rank Carolina as the No.1 team in the NFL. NO-CAR GAME GRADES: According to Kiernan Hogan of Pro Football Focus, Panthers quarterback Cam Newton earned his highest grade of the season during the Panthers 41-38 victory over New Orleans. Newton finished the game with 380 combined passing and rushing yards and strengthened his case for MVP. On the other side of the ball, all four of Carolina's defensive linemen earned positive grades. READ MORE PANTHERS REPORT CARD FOR WEEK 13: Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer provides his grades for each position group after the Panthers' win over New Orleans. READ MORE BIG DEBUT FOR CORTLAND: Max Henson of Panthers.com catches up with veteran cornerback Cortland Finnegan after his memorable debut with the Panthers. READ MORE