Tag: Brian Burns

Brian Burns named Giants’ most improved player

New York Giants first-year linebacker Brian Burns was named the team’s most improved player in 2024 by Pro Football Focus.

The New York Giants saw many players take a significant step in their careers in 2024.

One in particular was veteran defensive end Brian Burns, who was identified by Pro Football Focus as their most improved player this season.

The Giants traded a second-round pick for Brian Burns, hoping that he could inject some life into a pass-rush that was lacking juice. Burns hadn’t turned into the elite pass-rusher that the Panthers were hoping for, but he took considerable steps forward from his final season in Carolina. His sack totals remained the same, but Burns’ overall effectiveness improved. He had 61 pressures in his first season with the Giants, the second-highest total of his career, and the 13th-most in the NFL.

Burns thrived in creating negative plays for opposing offenses in general. His 42 stops in 2024 were a career-high and the second-most in the NFL, behind Jonathon Cooper, and 30 of those defensive stops came against the run, an area where Burns has particularly struggled in his career. Stark improvement for an edge rusher who has the potential to be one of the best in the NFL.

Burns did not come free, mind you. The Giants traded a second-rounder and swapped fifth-rounders with the Panthers for Burns. They then inked him to a five-year, $141 extension.

The intention was to pair him with outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux to create a 1-2 punch in their outside pass rush. Thibodeaux suffered a fractured wrist and missed five games while Burns was more reliable, playing in all 17 games and 80 percent of the defensive snaps.

[lawrence-related id=739477,739472,739469]

Giants injury report: Micah McFadden, Evan Neal continue to sit out

New York Giants LB Michael McFadden, and OL John Michael Schmitz and OL Evan Neal continue to miss practice ahead of a Week 18 game.

The New York Giants took the field on Thursday for their second of three practices ahead of a Week 18 game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Beforehand, head coach Brian Daboll updated the status of several injured players, including linebacker Micah McFadden and center John Michael Schmitz.

“No change,” he said of the pair and right tackle Evan Neal.

Daboll also noted that little else would change up and down the injury report. Linebacker Brian Burns and wide receiver Bryce Ford-Wheater were among those who remained limited.

Linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux, who is nursing a toe injury, practiced in full for the second straight day.

The Giants’ full Thursday injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: DL Armon Watts (knee), LB Micah McFadden (neck), OL John Michael Schmitz (ankle), OL Evan Neal (rib/hip)

Limited participant: LB Brian Burns (illness), DL Cory Durden (shoulder), WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (shoulder), DB Greg Stroman Jr. (shin), LB Ty Summers (neck), WR Malik Nabers (toe)

Full participant: OL Jake Kubas (shin), LB Kayvon Thibodeaux (toe), DB Dee Williams (toe)

[lawrence-related id=738754,738751,738744]

Giants’ Dexter Lawrence named to Pro Bowl; Brian Burns, Malik Nabers alternates

New York Giants NT Dexter Lawrence has been named to his third straight Pro Bowl, while LB Brian Burns and WR Malik Nabers are alternates.

The New York Giants have had a disappointing season but it will end on a high note — at least for three players.

Nose tackle Dexter Lawrence, who is currently on injured reserve (IR) after dislocating his elbow in Week 13, has been named to his third consecutive Pro Bowl.

Before landing on IR, Lawrence was undeniably the Giants’ most dominant player and among the most dominant defenders in football.

In 12 games, Lawrence recorded 44 tackles (23 solo, eight for a loss), one forced fumble, one pass defensed, 16 QB hits and 9.0 sacks. His 89.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus also leads the Giants and is second among defensive tackles league-wide.

It’s unclear if Lawrence will be able to participate in the 2025 NFL Pro Bowl Games.

In addition to Lawrence, linebacker Brian Burns was named a first alternate behind Jonathan Greenward (Vikings), Andrew Van Ginkel (Vikings), and Jared Verse (Rams).

Finally, rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers was named a second alternate. The Pro Bowl starters are slated to be Justin Jefferson (Vikings), CeeDee Lamb (Cowboys), Terry McLaurin (Commanders), and Amon-Ra St. Brown (Lions).

None of the three Giants finished in the top 10 of fan voting.

[lawrence-related id=738728,738720,738674]

Giants injury report: Micah McFadden, Evan Neal miss practice

New York Giants LB Micah McFadden and OL Evan Neal were among a handful of players who missed practice on Wednesday.

The New York Giants returned to practice on Wednesday afternoon in preparation for a Week 18 game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Before taking the field, head coach Brian Daboll stepped up to the podium and spoke with reporters.

Daboll revealed that defensive lineman Armon Watts, who suffered an ugly-looking injury in Week 17, underwent knee surgery and be out on Sunday.

Meanwhile, linebacker Micah McFadden and offensive lineman Evan Neal are among those who will miss practice on Wednesday.

“So, a few people won’t practice this today,” Daboll said. “Micah still won’t practice. JMS still won’t. Evan Neal and Watts.”

The Giants’ full Wednesday injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: DL Armon Watts (knee), LB Micah McFadden (neck), OL John Michael Schmitz (ankle), OL Evan Neal (rib/hip)

Limited participant: LB Brian Burns (illness), DL Cory Durden (shoulder), WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (shoulder), DB Greg Stroman Jr. (shin), LB Ty Summers (neck), DB Dee Williams (toe)

Full participant: OL Jake Kubas (shin), LB Kayvon Thibodeaux (toe)

[lawrence-related id=738674,738702,738700]

Giants injury report: Brian Burns expected to play vs. Falcons

New York Giants LB Brian Burns missed practice again on Thursday, joining a 21-player injury report, but is expected to play vs. Falcons.

The New York Giants took the field on Thursday for their second of three practices ahead of a Week 16 game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

Beforehand, head coach Brian Daboll updated the status of several injured players, including linebacker Brian Burns, who he said would not practice for the second straight day but could suit up come Sunday.

“Should be ready to go for the game,” he said of Burns.

Daboll was also optimistic that quarterback Tommy DeVito, who remains in concussion protocol, would serve as QB2 against the Falcons.

“I think he’ll be available,” he said.

Meanwhile, quarterback Drew Lock, who is dealing with heel and elbow issues, made it through Wednesday’s practice okay and remains the projected starter on Sunday.

The Giants’ full Thursday injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: OL Aaron Stinnie (concussion), LB Bobby Okereke (backs), LB Brian Burns (ankle), LB Patrick Johnson (knee), CB Greg Stroman Jr. (shoulder/shin)

Limited participant: QB Tommy DeVito (concussion), CB Deonte Banks (ribs), CB Cor’Dale Flott (quad/finger), CB Art Green (shoulder), DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches (neck/shoulder), CB Andru Phillips (shoulder), OL John Michael Schmitz (ankle), RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (ankle)

Full participant: LB Dyontae Johnson (ankle), OL Austin Schlottmann (fibula), S Dane Belton (knee), DL Cory Durden (shoulder), QB Drew Lock (heel/elbow), TE Chris Manhertz (ankle), WR Malik Nabers (knee/foot), WR Wan’Dale Robinson (shoulder)

[lawrence-related id=737931,737942,737936]

Giants list an astonishing 21 players on injury report

The New York Giants listed an astonishing 21 players on their Wednesday injury report, including linebackers Brian Burns and Bobby Okereke.

The New York Giants returned to practice on Wednesday afternoon in preparation for a Week 16 game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

Before taking the field, head coach Brian Daboll stepped up to the podium and spoke with reporters.

Two days after lacking clarity on the quarterback situation, Daboll revealed that Drew Lock is expected to start on Sunday barring a setback. He also expects Tommy DeVito to clear concussion protocol and serve as QB3.

“Drew should be okay,” Daboll told reporters. “(DeVito) moving through the protocol. He’ll do something today. I envision him being — I mean, who knows with concussions, but he’ll have a chance. If he is, he’ll be number two.”

Tim Boyle, who took over in Week 15, will fill the role of emergency third quarterback.

Meanwhile, Daboll revealed that linebacker Patrick Johnson will likely miss Sunday’s game with a knee issue.

The Giants’ full Wednesday injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: OL Aaron Stinnie (concussion), LB Bobby Okereke (backs), LB Brian Burns (ankle), LB Patrick Johnson (knee), CB Greg Stroman Jr. (shoulder/shin)

Limited participant: QB Tommy DeVito (concussion), QB Drew Lock (heel/elbow), CB Deonte Banks (ribs), S Dane Belton (knee), DL Cory Durden (shoulder), CB Cor’Dale Flott (quad), CB Art Green (shoulder), TE Chris Manhertz (ankle), WR Malik Nabers (knee/foot), DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches (neck/shoulder), CB Andru Phillips (shoulder), WR Wan’Dale Robinson (shoulder), OL John Michael Schmitz (ankle), RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (ankle)

Full participant: LB Dyontae Johnson (ankle), OL Austin Schlottmann (fibula)

[lawrence-related id=737895,737889,737881]

Brian Burns’ selflessness is one of Giants’ few positives

New York Giants LB Brian Burns has played through injuries and pain, often refusing to leave the field when the excuses would be valid.

New York Giants edge rusher Brian Burns came into this season as a trade acquisition who would help change the culture of a losing team.

Thus far, Burns has not been successful, as the Giants have won just twice in the first 15 weeks of the season but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t made an impression on the field and in the locker room.

Burns, who has 8.0 sacks this season and is far from done, has played through some nagging injuries and has rarely come off the field, playing on over 82 percent of the defensive snaps this season.

“Yeah, competitive young man,” head coach Brian Daboll said on Monday. “He’s been productive for us. Tough, he’s fought through some stuff, nicks and bruises here, done a nice job in his leadership role for us. I’m glad we have him.”

Burns has filled in the leadership void with many of the team’s captains either gone or out hurt. The six-year veteran, who began his career with the Carolina Panthers, has taken charge but hasn’t forgotten it’s a team game.

“I’m proud of the guys that stepped up with Dex being out, Bobby (Okereke) being out,” Burns said after the Giants’ 14-11 loss to the New Orleans Saints last week.

“They did a great job. Those young guys, some of them never even played in a game. So, I’m extremely proud of how they handled themselves today.”

The Giants have ways to go when it comes to becoming competitive again but there are a couple of elements and strong points to build on going forward

Burns has been one of them.

[lawrence-related id=737820,737808,737806]

Giants’ Brian Burns says brutal blindside block by Ravens was just football

New York Giants LB Brian Burns took a brutal blindside block against the Baltimore Ravens but says it’s just the nature of football.

New York Giants edge rusher Brian Burns joined an elite group on Sunday when he sacked Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson in the first quarter.

It was Burns’ eighth sack of the season, making him the eighth player in NFL history to record 7.5 or more sacks in each of their first six seasons to begin their career.

It didn’t come without a price, however. Burns nearly got taken out shortly after by the Ravens’ massive offensive tackle Daniel Faalele on a blindside hit.

Burns said he was “beat up a bit” after the game but the hit didn’t end his day. The Pro Bowler was able to return a few plays later to finish the game but make no mistake, he got his bell rung.

“Yeah, he lined me up. I was focused on Lamar as he was trying to get outside. And yeah, he kind of just blindsided me,” Burns told reporters.

“I feel like if he wanted to probably hit me harder because I wasn’t looking. But still felt it. Yeah. Football.”

The Giants’ pride took quite a hit as well after they lost their ninth straight game. Burns knows what losing is coming from the Carolina Panthers, who drafted him in the first round back in 2019.

During his five seasons in Carolina, the Panthers never won more than seven games in a season and recorded double-digit losses every year.

“I don’t know,” Burns said when asked what the feeling of the locker room was after the Giants suffered through the 35-14 loss to Baltimore. “It really wasn’t too much talking after this game. Probably get a better feel on Monday.”

Well, Monday is here and things don’t look much better.

[lawrence-related id=737788,737782,737771]

Giants’ lost season has some small silver linings

Things have not gone well for the New York Giants this season but there are some small silver linings entering the final few weeks.

The New York Giants are 2-11 after 14 weeks of this 2024 NFL season and with a loss on Sunday to the Baltimore Ravens will enter into some infamous territory.

A loss would be their ninth straight, tying the franchise record for consecutive losses set in 1976 and equaled in 2003-2004 and again in 2019.

It would also be their eighth home loss of the season, a new high (or low, however you look at it). The record for consecutive home losses is 10, set between 1973-75.

The Giants are averaging 14.9 points per game. If they continue at this pace, it will be their second-lowest offensive output since the league expanded to a 16-game format in 1978. In 1979, they averaged 14.8 PPG.

So, is there any good news coming out of this depressing season? Any “silver linings?”

Yes, there are a few.

Let’s start with the bittersweet story of second-round pick Tyler Nubin. The rookie safety was leading the Giants — and all NFL rookies — in tackles (98). Unfortunately, Nubin was placed on injured reserve (IR) this week with an ankle injury and will miss the remainder of the season.

Then, of course, there is first-round pick Malik Nabers, who is in line to set some franchise records. He currently has 80 receptions with four games remaining. He is on pace to record 109 catches, which would pass the franchise record for rookies (91 – Odell Beckham Jr., Saquon Barkley) and the all-time single-season record set by Steve Smith in 2009 (107).

Fifth-round pick Tyrone Tracy Jr. ranks second among NFL rookies in rush yards (664) and fourth in scrimmage yards (880) despite the Giants using him in a rotation with Devin Singletary.

Edge rusher Brian Burns is playing up to his billing and is not done yet. He leads the team with 12 tackles for a loss and has 7.0 sacks. Burns is one of three players with seven or more sacks in each of the past six seasons. Las Vegas’ Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett of Cleveland are the others.

Inside linebackers Bobby Okereke and Micah McFadden are building their resumes further this season. Okereke needs seven tackles to achieve his fourth straight 100-plus tackle season (second with the Giants).

Last week, McFadden became the fifth player in the past five seasons with five tackles for a loss in a single game. This week, he’s aiming for his fourth game in a row at home with 11-plus tackles.

And that concludes the good news. With four weeks to go, there could be more as the Giants try to end this season on an uptick.

[lawrence-related id=737505,737522,737514]

Darren Rizzi highlights battle in the trenches for Saints vs. Giants

Darren Rizzi knows stopping Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns is imperative. Taliese Fuaga and Trevor Penning must rise to the occasion:

A lot of pressure rests on the New Orleans Saints’ young offensive tackles as they take on the New York Giants’ duo of Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns on the edges.

Interim head coach Darren Rizzi understands the importance of Taliese Fuaga and Trevor Penning protecting Derek Carr in Week 14. Rizzi told the media earlier this week, “We got to do a great job of protecting the edge this week. That’s going to be a big part of what we do.”

Rizzi continued: “They have two playmakers on the edges between Burns and Thibodeaux. We’ve known Burns in this division for a long, long time. He’s wrecked a lot of games for people. They just got Thib back on the other side. Those guys are a problem.”

For Fuaga, this continues a stretch of facing formidable pass rushers. He’s stood up to Myles Garrett, Jared Verse and now this duo in consecutive weeks, with a bye week in that span. Penning struggled against the Rams as Verse racked up a multitude of pressures. The offensive tackle is looking to bounce back.

As for the offensive interior? The Saints are hoping to get several starters back from injury, including Erik McCoy and Lucas Patrick, but that’s where the Giants may be weakest up front. A potentially season-ending injury to Dexter Lawrence puts the focus concretely on New York’s edge defenders. Fuaga and Penning must be on point this Sunday.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1]