The Panthers are racking up awards like it’s Oscar season and they’re doing it in all three phases. Joey Slye has been named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week after nailing a 55-yard field goal against the Texans. Christian McCaffrey just won NFC Offensive Player of the Month for the ridiculous numbers he posted in September.
Not to be outdone, the defense has also earned an award. First-round pick Brian Burns has been named the Defensive Rookie of the Month.
It did not take long for Burns to prove that the Panthers were right about him. So far, he’s collected 2.5 sacks, 15 pressures, nine quarterback hits and two tackles for a loss.
Burns’ advanced stats are also looking pretty solid. According to Pro Football Focus, he has the second-highest pass rush win rate of any rookie edge rusher. Only Nick Bosa is doing better.
Burns has plenty of competition from Bosa and a handful of others. Assuming he stays healthy for the rest of the season, he should definitely be in the conversation to win Defensive Rookie of the Year, though.
Even more impressively, Burns has also made an impact on special teams. He’s gotten his hand on two punts so far.
