The Carolina Panthers achieve a unique type of mode whenever they play the Arizona Cardinals—greatness on a different level, some may say. And according to Brian Burns, we must at least acknowledge it.
On Wednesday, the fourth-year defensive end was asked about his team’s run of dominance over their Week 4 opponent. Not only have the Panthers secured each of their past six meetings against the Cardinals, with two of those coming in the playoffs, but they boast a 14-5 all-time mark in the series—a record that amounts to their highest win percentage (.737) over any team.
So Burns, who’s been around for the last three victories in the matchup, said there has to be something to it.
“It means something,” he said. “From history, it seems like we’ve always had their number. Always had it out for them. I like those games. It’s always physical. It’s always a tough game. And especially from the defensive point of view. But yeah, I look forward to it. And yeah, we’re gonna get after them again.”
He’s gotten after them himself a bit when seeing red. Between Carolina’s clashes with Arizona in 2019, 2020 and 2021, Burns has totaled 1.0 sacks, six quarterback hits and two tackles for a loss.
Things, however, will be a little different on Sunday than they were last season—when the Panthers upended a Colt McCoy-led 8-1 Cardinals squad in Cam Newton’s 2021 return. Now, they’ll have their starting quarterback under center, someone Burns is still quite familiar with . . .
