5 Panthers players who proved their importance in 2020
By Dean Jones
Brian Burns – Carolina Panthers DE
The Carolina Panthers were looking for Brian Burns to make some big strides this season. They removed some established veterans from their defensive line in a bid to go younger and improve their fortunes, which saw the 2019 first-round pick go from a rotational pass-rushing specialist to the team’s No. 1 option in this particular area of the field.
To say Burns rose to the challenge would be something of an understatement. He more than proved worthy of such responsibility and demonstrated the sort of playmaking ability that will be a key component of any success that comes Carolina’s way next season and beyond.
Burns is arguably the most explosive edge rusher in the NFL. His ability to get off the block and to the spot quickly is absolutely extraordinary and once he figures out how to finish off plays a little better, it is going to come with even loftier numbers.
The former Florida State star recorded nine sacks, 21 quarterback hits, eight tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, four passes defended, and 58 tackles this season. Burns generated 38 pressures on opposing quarterbacks, missed just six tackles and emerged from the campaign with an eye-catching 76.8 grade from Pro Football Focus to further enhance his growing reputation.
The Panthers relied heavily on Burns in 2020, particularly during the first half of the season. If a couple more reinforcements can come and improve matters on the line of scrimmage, it should help the player and the organization enormously.