Week 13’s matchup between the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers was punchless for about two and a half quarters. But Brian Burns changed that . . . literally.
Both offenses finally woke up in the middle of the third quarter, as a 1-yard touchdown run by Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard was promptly answered with a 75-yard dash to the end zone by Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans. But Burns, on the ensuing extra point try, delivered a strike of his own to Tampa Bay offensive lineman Cody Mauch.
#Panthers OLB Brian Burns has been tossed for throwing a punch at #Bucs OL Cody Mauch.pic.twitter.com/jUNtrY60Xf
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 3, 2023
Burns was, of course, subsequently ejected for the punch.
The two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher hasn’t had the brightest of campaigns. After posting a career-high 12.5 sacks in 2022, Burns is up to just 6.0 through 13 weeks this season.
He is also still without a long-term deal from the Panthers, a prospect that seemed rather imminent entering the summer. The last update on the negotiations came all the way back on Sept. 16, when Burns said talks were “on hold.”
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