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The Carolina Panthers overwhelmed Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos all day on Sunday. They dominated, winning 23-10 with the Broncos' only points coming off a muffed punt near the red zone and a garbage-time touchdown late in the fourth quarter with the result decided.
During the second quarter, star defensive end Brian Burns registered one of his two sacks on the day (part of a 10-sack effort on the season). He then proceeded to celebrate with with his arms out wide.
Fans quickly assumed he was trolling Wilson's penchant for praying in the middle of the field. The Broncos quarterback infamously and awkwardly stood with cameras around him in the middle of the field before the game in London and this looked like an imitation.
Burns was asked about the sack celebration after the win. He couldn't help but smile and admit that he had in fact trolled the quarterback's prayers.
He told reporters:
"I trolled Russ a little bit. I did a little bit. Much respect to Russ, I love Russ, man, he's a great guy, I just had to. It was just there... I took a dip into the troll thing."
The Panthers star also admitted that it wasn't something he planned to do beforehand:
"At first, I was just flexing and I was like, 'Oh yeah, he does do that, huh?' and I just did it... I'm a little petty... It's all in fun and games, you know, no disrespect to Russ."
Wilson recorded another frustrating stat line with 19/35 completions for just 142 yards and a touchdown.
The Broncos fell to 3-8 and moved closer to a high draft pick. Unfortunately, they won't get one since they traded their first two picks in the 2023 draft to Seattle in exchange for Wilson.
Will the Panthers extend Brian Burns?
Burns has anchored what has been a surprisingly solid defense. Even amidst the firing of their head coach and defensive coordinator, that unit is strong. Burns is. a big reason for that.
The Panthers reportedly turned down a massive deal from the Los Angeles Rams that included two first-round picks, so there's almost no chance he enters free agency when his contract ends following next season.
We will have to wait and see what happens in this scenario.
