Panthers: 3 achievable goals for DE Brian Burns in 2020

Carolina Panthers Goal No. 2: 15+ tackles for loss for Brian Burns

While Brian Burns is adept at getting sacks. One area of his game that will need to improve is his ability in running situations. The Carolina Panthers will be counting on him to make the necessary strides in this particular area. And if he can do this, then it is going to bode well for a defensive front that has three others who excel at stopping the run.

Burns might be targeted as the weak link initially. So it is vital he hits the ground running. He did manage to secure five tackles for loss as a rookie. But much more will be needed this time around.

Somewhere in the region of 15 tackles for loss is a reasonable goal for Burns in 2020. His incredible burst off the line of scrimmage can get him in the backfield. And if the player becomes more space aware on running downs, then Carolina has a complete defensive end for the foreseeable future.

The Panthers’ run defense was abysmal last season. The return of Kawann Short and the introduction of Derrick Brown and Stephen Weatherly has the scope to completely transform their fortunes. But Burns will need to do his part down in the trenches.

J.J Watt holds the single-season record since 1999 with 39 tackles for a loss back in 2012. And although that might seem a bit ambitious for Burns at this stage of his career. He should be able to hit the 15-mark if the lineman reaches his potential.