4 Panthers players who showed out at the Saints in Week 7

Brian Burns – Carolina Panthers DE

The secret is well and truly out regarding Brian Burns. The second-year-pro is quickly emerging as one of the best all-around defensive ends in the business and he is only going to get better in the coming years.

Burns is a phenomenal force on the edge. But the Carolina Panthers are getting little in the way of pressure from the rest of their defensive front. No matter how good the former first-round pick is, he is going to need help at some stage otherwise it will be all-too-easy for opposing protection schemes to make him their primary focus of attention.

That being said, there is little anyone can do to counteract Burns when he builds up a head of steam. His strip-sack on Drew Brees was an explosive play as you are likely to see and this was matched by a strong set of the edge in run support that has been a big improvement in his game through seven weeks.

The Panthers have struck gold with Burns, of that there is little doubt. He has proven to be well worth their first-round selection in 2019 and if the pass-rusher can grow further in stature then he is going to become a dominant force for years to come.

Burns finished Sunday’s game with seven combined tackles, one solo tackle, one sack, one quarterback hit, and a pass deflection. Carolina’s defense might have struggled overall, but that does not detract from his outstanding contribution.