4 bold predictions for the Carolina Panthers vs. Broncos in Week 12
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers DE Brian Burns gets to 10 sacks
When the Los Angeles Rams offered two first-round picks and a 2023 second-rounder for stud defensive end Brian Burns, the Carolina Panthers had a big decision to make before the trade deadline. General manager Scott Fitterer resisted the temptation to ship out the former Florida State standout, which is the biggest indicator yet of how much he’s valued by the organization.
Burns got himself yet another sack at the Baltimore Ravens, which takes his tally to eight for the campaign. A first double-digit season looks well within his capabilities and it might even arrive this weekend providing the defense continues progressing.
The 2019 first-round pick will fancy his chances against the Denver Broncos tackle tandem of Calvin Anderson and Tom Compton. Burns will need to be wary of Russell Wilson’s mobility to evade pressure in the pocket, but opportunities to wreak havoc could be plentiful thanks to the player’s improving physicality and outstanding explosiveness.
Carolina could make Burns a very wealthy man when the 2022 campaign comes to a conclusion. Every sack this season is seeing the price go up, one suspects, so reaching 10 sacks for the first time in his career would be another significant milestone to take to the bargaining table.
Burns can reach this particular target in Week 12. But he will need others around him to also perform up to or above expectations.