OLB Brian Burns of the Panthers is ranked as the ninth-most disruptive pass rusher of 2022

Navigating between a revamped jersey style and a significant forthcoming contract, Brian Burns of the Carolina Panthers is absorbed in a complex dance with figures this preseason. Of course, the numerical data he generated before this spring was far from ordinary.

In an analysis using Next Gen Stats, NFL commentator Nick Shook created a roster of the top ten disruptive pass disruptors from the 2022 season. Taking up the 9th slot is the first player to wear the number '0' for the Panthers. As Shook observes:

Burns is often overlooked.

This could be due to the Panthers' struggle to consistently win or his playing in a division largely controlled by Tom Brady. But no matter the reason, it's high time we shift our attention to Burns' achievements, which have been long overdue.

Burns' stats for the year 2021 were indeed impressive — 48 quarterback pressures, 11.5% QB pressure rate, 37 hurries, nine sacks, and two pressure-induced turnovers. However, the 2022 season saw him raise the bar and join the league's elite. Apart from TO-QBP, Burns managed to improve on all his previous records, even reaching double figures in sacks for the first time. His performance in all 16 games earned him his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection.

In his standout year, the former first-round pick recorded 62 quarterback pressures, a 12.9-percent pressure rate, 42 hurries, and 12.5 sacks. These figures not only led to his second Pro Bowl selection but also his second consecutive start, even though the importance of the all-star game has diminished over time.

As for the next significant figure in Burns' career, expect a substantial nine-digit one.