3 ways Panthers DE Brian Burns can become NFL’s best in 2021

Come through in big moments

Something that separates the good defensive ends from the exceptional is how they come through for their team in big situations. When they need a third-down stop or a turnover, those at the upper echelons are able to dig deep and make their presence felt when it matters most.

Brian Burns has all the intangibles needed to do this. One only has to look at how the Carolina Panthers relied on him throughout the previous campaign before help finally came around him down the stretch to see that.

There have been some notable upgrades in personnel across the front seven to further assist Burns in pursuit of getting where he wants to go.

Haason Reddick coming off the opposite edge is perhaps the most important, with the presence of DaQuan Jones on the interior and Denzel Perryman at the second level two important factors that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Despite these new signings and what should be improved coverage within the secondary, the Panthers are counting on Burns to be the catalyst for bigger and better things from a defensive standpoint.

It’s easy to forget how competitive Carolina was against top-class opposition last season. Although it didn’t amount to anything other than a 5-11 record for a second straight year, there was far more good than bad in the first campaign under Matt Rhule.

Expectations are high for Burns and the Panthers in 2021. If he delivers, it’s going to come with recognition not seen from a player at the position in Carolina since the days of prime Julius Peppers.