Could old school approach help Brian Burns reach new heights in 2022?

Could an old school coach in his 70s end up taking Carolina Panthers’ defensive end Brian Burns to new heights during the 2022 season? 

There is more responsibility than ever on the shoulders of Brian Burns in 2022. The Carolina Panthers didn’t keep pass-rushing partner Haason Reddick around in free agency despite the Temple product’s relationship with Matt Rhule and his 11 sacks, leaving the outside linebacker free to sign for the Philadelphia Eagles and adding yet more expectations on the fourth-year defensive end.

This does pile additional pressure on Burns, who had his fifth-year option picked up as anticipated after a highly encouraging start to his professional career. If the Florida State product can make some refinements this offseason, then a true breakout campaign won’t be far behind.

Burns has another position coach to work alongside throughout the summer after the Panthers appointed Paul Pasqualoni as part of their overhaul under Matt Rhule following yet another season of underachievement.

Brian Burns responding well to the new Carolina Panthers DL coach

The former Syracuse head coach might be a little long in the tooth at 72 years old. But his old school methods are being well received by Burns during the early part of OTAs so far.

"“Old school. But I like it. He’s real intense on the field. Seeing him off the field, you wouldn’t think that, but he’s got a lot of energy on the field. He’s old-school and intense. Some guys are big on scheme and the overall picture. But he’s more detailed on what you have to do and exactly where your eyes should be, so that’s different. It’s different, but I see it in a positive light. I get the best of both worlds, like the overall linebacker experience and how everything should fit, but now I’m back with a traditional D-line coach that’s only focused on D-line things, and the true technique of my position.”"

Burns has had his fair share of defensive line coaches since arriving in Carolina as a first-round pick in 2019. However, he won’t have come across many like Pasqualoni before – a no-nonsense individual that demands nothing but maximum effort and is not shy about letting players know about it.

This shift in approach is something that can benefit Burns, who gained nine sacks in 2021 en route to his first Pro Bowl selection. Providing that his patience against the run improves and he turns explosive pressures into sacks, then the Panthers would be wise to offer a huge payday in pursuit of avoiding further complications down the line.

Pasqualoni will play a significant role in whatever improvements Burns makes next season. He also has the stiff task of bringing the best out of rotational guys such as Marquis Haynes and Yetur Gross-Matos, who’ll be tasked with extra reps and expectations in the immediate aftermath of Reddick’s departure.

Burns will obviously be the focal point of opposing protection schemes when the campaign commences. This represents a challenge for the player and one he must be ready for.

The defensive lineman has bulked up this offseason and it certainly looks that way. Hopefully, this will pay off in a big way and help the Panthers progress.

The sky is the limit for Burns. And if there was ever a time that the Panthers needed their best pass-rusher to take a significant leap forward, it’s now.