Brian Burns has no more time for Carolina Panthers excuses in 2022

Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns has no more time for the team’s excuses entering a crucial 2022 campaign for the franchise. 

One of the most frustrating things aside from the Carolina Panthers’ record in 2022 was the distinct lack of accountability within the locker room. Head coach Matt Rhule blamed everyone but himself and this also transitioned to some players in front of the national media during a cataclysmic freefall to another five-win season.

This is something that was highlighted by Cam Newton during his exit presser. The former NFL MVP stated that not everyone on the roster was buying into the process, which led to some substantial changes across the board during an immensely busy offseason in terms of recruitment.

The Panthers are currently being put through their paces in training camp, with plenty on the line when competitive action arrives. One player that will have more responsibilities than most is Brian Burns, who earned his first Pro Bowl selection last time around and could be set for great things in the coming months.

Burns remains one of the NFL’s most explosive pass-rushers. He’s evolved well since arriving as a first-round pick in 2019 and is also assuming a prominent leadership role within a young roster loaded with talent.

Brian Burns expects Carolina Panthers’ defense to make major strides in 2022

The Florida State product and others on defense are now entering Year 3 within Phil Snow’s scheme. Something that Burns feels can remove any excuses the Panthers manage to conjure up if things aren’t necessarily going according to expectations in 2022.

"“Being in the system for three years now, there shouldn’t be any more communication errors. Anything about beating ourselves should be out of the window. That will take us from good to great. Once you get to that great level, the only thing that can beat you is a great play from the offense. There won’t be any self-inflicted problems.”"

Burns is right. Many defenders expected to take important roles have been around the set-up since Snow was appointed and if they don’t know the system by now, they never will.

This is also an important season personally for Burns, who is looking for a megabucks contract from the Panthers sooner rather than later and can put some additional dollars on his demands by taking another leap forward in 2022.

The defensive end laid out the blueprint to attaining this goal, which unsurprisingly involved turning his pressures into sacks more efficiently.

"“I’m always looking for more sacks. That’s just going to come with really perfecting my craft, honing in on details, and having deliberate practices.”"

Things won’t be easy for Burns. He’s likely to be the focal point of opposing protection schemes and the Panthers also let Haason Reddick walk in free agency, which leaves some concerns about the opposite edge.

Nobody will be working harder than Burns, who’s made strides every offseason. Anything further could see the gifted individual enter the elite category, which would be music to Carolina’s ears.

That’s a lofty target for Burns to aim for. But after an initial period of adjustment to a new regime, now is the time for everything to come together at the best possible time for the organization.