NFL Top 100: Brian Burns comes in at No. 54
The Carolina Panthers' newly-minted outside linebacker's profile only continues to grow. In the annual NFL Top 100, Burns came in at No. 54 on the list. That's up from Number 76 last year, after his second straight Pro Bowl campaign. The list is voted on by active players in the league. And people are taking notice […]
The Carolina Panthers' newly-minted outside linebacker's profile only continues to grow.
In the annual NFL Top 100, Burns came in at No. 54 on the list. That's up from Number 76 last year, after his second straight Pro Bowl campaign. The list is voted on by active players in the league. And people are taking notice of how imposing Burns can be as a pass rusher.
Burns recorded 12.5 sacks last season. It was the first time he recorded double-digit sacks in his career.
Burns also has 38 sacks in the last four years. Ahead of him, is Julius Peppers, who in his first four seasons, tallied 40 sacks.
"I mean, that's what kind of a leader is; you just got to do more than others," Shaq Thompson said of Burns' leadership. "And that's what Burns is doing."
Burns is looking at a new role. The Panthers' defense under new head coach Frank Reich switched from a base 4-3 defense to a 3-4 defense.
The switch is something Burns isn't scared of either. At the start of training camp, Burns said the switch from playing on the edge to outside linebacker will allow him to showcase more of his football intelligence.
“I think it’ll showcase my IQ more than anything,” he said. “I mean, physically, it’s so much more you could do at my position. But I think it’ll showcase my IQ more than anything, just because of the disguises and really mappin’ out and understandin’ formations.
“Like, I think I can make more plays in that type of role. Now I have a little freedom to move about over the slot, back, up, it doesn’t really matter. I just feel like me being able to disguise the way I want to can probably open up some opportunities for me.”
What promises to be a huge year for Burns, with a contract extension pending and attempting to back up back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons, he is finally earning the respect he deserves from his peers.
Brian Burns on playing in 3-4 defense: ‘It’ll showcase my IQ more’
Two-time Pro Bowler Brian Burns is looking at, for the first time in his NFL career, a change of roles.
Feature image Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports.
