5 dream scenarios for the Carolina Panthers in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers get 15+ sacks from Brian Burns
After losing Haason Reddick in free agency, there is more pressure on Brian Burns to take a leap forward in 2022. The defensive end made his first Pro Bowl last season after attaining nine sacks, but much more will be needed next time around to compensate for the Temple product’s departure.
Burns has all the intangibles needed to become an elite force. His explosiveness off the block is remarkable and this is matched by a refined series of pass-rushing moves that make things extremely difficult for opposing offensive tackles consistently.
Providing Burns finally figures out how to convert pressures into more sacks, then it’s only going to help his cause. The former first-round pick also has the added incentive of a potential megabucks deal to aim for in the coming months.
Obviously, others need to step up and help Burns. Otherwise, teams will pay plenty of attention to the Florida State product without fear of being damaged by someone else.
It’s a lofty bar to aim for, but if Burns can gain 15 sacks or more then it would be the biggest of boosts for a defense that has plenty of young, hungry individuals for Phil Snow to harness as the campaign goes on.
Should Burns achieve this feat, then there is just no telling what his new deal in Carolina will look like. One thing’s for sure, it will make him a very wealthy man regardless.