Although the New York Giants have gone just 2-7 on the season so far, the 5-3 Chicago Bears can't overlook a critical two-time New York Pro Bowler when the two clubs face off on Sunday at Soldier Field.
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Brian Burns, a 6-foot-5, 250-pound linebacker out of Florida State, is currently making good on the lucrative five-season, $141 million (with $87.5 million of that sum guaranteed) salary he agreed to upon being flipped to the Giants from the Carolina Panthers in the 2024 offseason.
Ahead of the Giants-Bears clash this weekend, a league scout explained to Brad Biggs of The Chicago Tribune why Burns is such a dangerous defender.
Burns is finally hitting his stride in New York
“You’re seeing what everyone thought he was going to be when he was in Carolina,” the scout said. “Extremely quick off the football. He can slither around offensive tackles. His ability to bend and sink and turn the corner is up there with anyone in the league. It looks unnatural to the point if someone actually tried to do that, they’d end up in the training room."
The 27-year-old leads the NFL with his 11 sacks. He has also notched 42 tackles (27 solo) and two forced fumbles. The scout suggests that Burns is well on his way to earning his first All-Pro honor if he keeps up this pace.
"He’s so smooth," the scout opines. "He’s taken those physical tools and refined it with a more refined pass-rush plan every time he puts his hand in the dirt. He had the tools to be an All-Pro when he was in Carolina and now you’re seeing it. Give credit to the Giants and their coaching staff. This is one of the best speed rushers in the NFL."
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