4 key takeaways from the Panthers win vs. Lions in Week 11
By Dean Jones
Brian Burns had his statement game
Defensive coordinator Phil Snow said that a multi-sack game from Brian Burns wasn’t too far away. As it turned out, the coach and the player didn’t have long to wait.
The Carolina Panthers generated consistent pressure in the backfield for the first time this season and Burns was obviously a huge part of this. He is fast becoming one of the NFL’s best edge-rushers and he tormented the Lions all afternoon. This was one of the driving forces behind a sensational shut-out victory at Bank of America Stadium.
There is little any offensive lineman can do when Burns is firing on all cylinders. He is so explosive off the block and has developed an exceptional pass-rushing repertoire that was there for all to see against a Detroit protection scheme that simply has no answer for the former first-round pick.
Burns eventually finished the game with two sacks, one tackle for loss, four quarterback hits, one pass defended, and five tackles. This was just a small portion of what he brought to the defense and his influence only grows with every passing game.
Considering this is only Burns’ second season in the NFL and his first as a prominent starter, the sky is the limit regarding his ability to become an all-time Panthers great down the line.