5 Carolina Panthers vital to success in Week 4 vs. the Cardinals
By Noah Bryce
Brian Burns – Carolina Panthers DE
The Carolina Panthers defense had an amazing day in Week 3. However, this was done without any notable contribution from its brightest star.
Brian Burns was seen by many to be the next big edge rushing star after a sophomore leap in 2020. However, the imposing defensive end has seemed to plateau. Even running alongside the dominant force of Haason Reddick did nothing to improve production last season and with the lack of a true partner this year, the double teams are fast and furious.
This problem has become evident after Burns registered only one quarterback hit against the New Orleans Saints and did little to affect the game overall. An eerily empty stat line like this one is something that cannot happen against a team like the Arizona Cardinals.
While Kyler Murray may not be an NFL MVP candidate, that doesn’t mean the former Heisman Trophy winner isn’t a threat both on the ground and through the air. Despite this talent, the signal-caller can be pressured into mistakes, surrendering two sacks and a terrible intentional grounding penalty in Week 3.
The opportunities will be there for Burns. Get Murray running and let the rest of the defense feast on the quarterback’s mistakes.
The Panthers have to shut down Murray one way or another to have a chance at keeping the ball rolling in the win column. This could be the true breakout game Burns has been waiting for.