Panthers All-22: 4 overlooked thoughts from Week 2 loss at NY Giants

Carolina Panthers are failing Brian Burns

Given there is no more Haason Reddick flying off the edge, Brian Burns has more responsibility on his shoulders than ever before. The defensive end was an absolute force of nature against the New York Giants in Week 2, giving first-round selection Evan Neal a torrid time en route to some exceptional numbers statistically.

Burns’ explosiveness and elite bend came across in a big way at MetLife Stadium. He was the only player seemingly guaranteed to create pressure with a fierce drive and determination that played a leading role in a big-time turnaround for the Carolina Panthers on defense.

However, there was one obvious concern. Defensive coordinator Phil Snow’s insistence to drop Burns back in coverage is failing the Florida State product and preventing the team from coming up with the goods in critical moments.

The Panthers have invested heavily in their secondary with trades, extensions, and high-end draft picks of late. Surely they are deep enough to fill coverage positions and allow Burns to do what he does best – generate havoc in opposing backfields.

Snow needs to recognize when Burns has momentum and adjust accordingly. The Giants were having untold trouble preventing him from doing damage, so to see the former first-round pick in coverage was no doubt a relief for Neal and quarterback Daniel Jones.

Simply put, the Panthers need to stop overcomplicating things. Especially considering what’s at stake for Matt Rhule and his staff in the coming weeks.