Giants star pass-rusher not putting too much stock into OTAs: ‘Means nothing compared to real football’

Oct 29, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (0) react after a sack in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

New York Giants star defensive end Brian Burns is not patting himself on the back for whatever he’s done in OTA’s this spring.

Per SNY on X, The Giants’ marquee offseason acquisition told reporters on Thursday that organized team activities are nothing more for him than a chance to get his conditioning up in preparation for training camp:

“No. It means nothing. The main thing I’m focused on right now is pretty much getting my wind up. You know, the moves, and everything that’s natural, that’s gonna come. And that’s gonna be there. But me dominating, me doing what I did today in OTA’s, training camp will show more,” Burns said.

Giants: Brian Burns’ form from 2023 will be better deduced in training camp

Syndication: The Record, brian burns, kayvon thibodeaux, new york giants
Credit: Michael Karas / USA TODAY NETWORK

Burns is coming off of a stellar 2023 campaign where he recorded eight sacks and 18 quarterback hits along with two passes defended for the Carolina Panthers. The Giants brought him in this winter on a massive five-year, $141 million contract expecting him to give opposing offenses a nightmarish pass rusher on the edge.

As he sees it, his first taste of real football action will come when Giants training camp starts in June. New York has seven more OTA workouts between now and June 7. The former two-time Pro Bowler will use that time to round into shape along with his Giants teammates.

Giants will field a potent defense next season

The defense is carrying massive expectations for 2024 with himself, along with Second-Team All-Pro nose tackle Dexter Lawrence and linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux. They’ll need all three at the top of their game to have their best chance at a winning record.

Mentioned in this article:

More about: