4 Carolina Panthers critical to improvements in Week 12 vs. Broncos
By Noah Bryce
Brian Burns – Carolina Panthers DE
It has become increasingly evident this season that there is no help coming for rising star Brian Burns. So instead of begging for a running mate to make a difference, the Carolina Panthers should lean heavily on the promising defensive end.
To find proof of this, simply look at the fact that Burns has eight sacks on the year and the entirety of the defensive line aside from him has a total of 6.5 between them. This team has a massive pressure problem and one that clearly isn’t going to be solved this season.
The necessity to perform is much greater for Burns as a result. Especially now that opposing teams have caught on and don’t even try to run in his direction.
Thankfully the Panthers have adjusted to this and begun to line up the Florida State product on both sides of the line depending on the matchups that present themselves. However, this isn’t enough.
Russell Wilson may not be the athlete he once was, but there is still plenty of athleticism left in the tank to make him a true threat to escape the pocket and extend plays. Something the Panthers don’t have the backend to survive.
Burns needs to take over this game much like Micah Parsons did for the Dallas Cowboys last Sunday. Live in the backfield and make Wilson think twice about holding onto that football for more than a couple of beats.