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

Originally posted on Empire Sports Media
By Matthew Legros | Last updated 5/24/24

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.

Brian Burns says dominating OTAs "means nothing" and training camp is closer to "real football:" pic.twitter.com/R3KxT6i5ZL
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) May 23, 2024

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

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.

This article first appeared on Empire Sports Media and was syndicated with permission.

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