How Brian Burns is preparing for his first season with the Giants

Outside linebacker Brian Burns, arguably the New York Giants’ biggest offseason acquisition, has high expectations for the 2024 season.

Burns, who recorded 8.5 sacks with the Carolina Panthers last year, recently attended the annual Sack Summit in Las Vegas, a two-day gathering of the NFL’s top passers to share tips and network.

Former NFL guard turned NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger, who stopped by the summit, shared a video of Burns working with other NFL pass rushers in which the new Giants defender explained how he uses the spin move by drawing blockers to the outside.

“It’s all edge, it’s all edge. So when I get (outside) and I get him to commit, he’s going to commit, when I get him to commit, that move is open every time… and especially if you have an inside puncher,” Burns said.

“You have an inside puncher, he gives you that spin every time.”

Buffalo Bills All-Pro Von Miller then joined the demonstration, where they discussed the use of chop spin and shoulder roll off blockers. Baldinger asked how important elbow hooking was, and Burns responded “the most important.”

“Because that’s the violent part, that’s what’s going to get you out of it,” Burns said. “The biggest thing with the outside spin is you’ve got to sell it, so the only time you’re going to see me take an outside spin is if I’ve already beaten him inside … because now he’s (in trouble).”

Burns never really had a regular on-field partner with him during his time at Carolina. With the Giants, however, he can expect to play with fellow outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux and interior defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence II in a Giants defense that will be led by new defensive coordinator Shane Bowen.

“It’s exciting, especially when you have four guys that can do it,” Burns said earlier this year of the Giants’ rushing potential.

“To put these guys to work is exciting, but it takes some work. We have to show that we can get to the quarterback at a consistent rate on our own. It’s going to take chemistry. It’s going to take a brotherhood. If I have Dex with me, know that if I have Dex with me, I have a plan.”

While expectations are high for Burns in this defense, he’s focused on being the best player he can be and letting things fall into place.

“I feel like if I do what I have to do on the pitch, it will come naturally,” he said. “One of my mottos is to not lose sight of the main thing. My main focus is the ball, I get better and I help the team. Everything else will follow.”