3 reasons Brian Burns deserves your Pro Bowl vote
By Dean Jones
Progression from year one to two
The NFL is full of players who fail to deliver on their initial promise. Thankfully for the Carolina Panthers, this does not apply to Brian Burns.
His outstanding work ethic has enabled the defensive end to enhance his level of consistency and make better use of his eye-catching athletic traits. Burns has never had any trouble getting into the backfield – of that, there is little doubt – but making the transition to a prolific three-down defensive lineman is a riddle few can solve.
Burns has been able to make the necessary adjustments, and he is thriving with extra responsibility on his shoulders. This is getting a lot more attention for opposing protection schemes but the fact Carolina’s primary weapon on the edge is still making his presence felt leaves plenty of reasons to be encouraged moving forward.
A big statement game could be in Burns’ immediate future. He has yet to have that defining moment this season and if he can achieve a huge stat game, it will be another massive confidence boost for a player who has the world at his feet.
The Panthers struck gold with Burns in last year’s draft. Other players might get more recognition, due to being in the NFL for longer, but it would be no surprise to see his efforts this season come with a Pro Bowl selection.