3 ways Panthers DE Brian Burns can become NFL’s best in 2021
By Dean Jones
Convert pressures into sacks
Brian Burns gets to the point of attack incredibly quickly.
Almost too fast for his own good at times.
There is little any offensive lineman can do when Burns gets off the block first. His speed is matched by enough strength to see him through protection schemes. But converting pressures into sacks is going to be crucial if he wants to take that next step.
The number of near misses Burns had to further bolster his sack total in 2020 was astonishing. He was credited with 37 pressures that eventually became nine sacks and 21 quarterback hits throughout the campaign.
If Burns can recognize when to put on the brakes in key moments, it’ll make a massive difference and could surge him into a completely different stratosphere.
This explosiveness is what separates Burns from the large majority of edge rushers league-wide. Taking it away entirely is not an option, but learning to finish off plays a little better would be the smart route to go in terms of development in the coming weeks.
The Carolina Panthers are counting on Burns to make game-changing plays early and often in 2021. He’s the sort of player that inspires others around him and exactly what this progressive group needs to become a top-10 unit next season.