The New York Giants’ 2024 season has been a rough one, to put it kindly. But through all the turmoil, injuries, and locker-room drama, one unit has consistently given fans hope: the defense. And no two players embody that hope quite like Brian Burns and Dexter Lawrence.
Burns, acquired in the offseason to inject life into the pass rush, has been a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. His speed, bend, and knack for making offensive linemen look silly have quickly made him a fan favorite. Then there’s Dexter Lawrence, the heart of the Giants' defense and one of the most dominant forces in the NFL. Together, they’ve reminded fans that no matter how bleak things look, a strong defense can keep you competitive.
Both players were recently recognized by ESPN for their elite skills. Burns was named the NFL’s best at bend and flexibility, while Lawrence snagged two awards: most physical defensive lineman and best run-stopper. These accolades aren’t just nice bullet points on a resume; they’re proof this defensive core is built to last.
Dexter Lawrence and Brian Burns are the very best at their craft
When Brian Burns joined the Giants, it was clear he brought something special to the table. ESPN’s Matt Bowen highlighted Burns’ unique ability to bend and flex around offensive linemen, describing him as a “fluid mover with incredible lower-body flex.”
His numbers back up the praise. Burns has six sacks, 20 pressures, and a pass-rush win rate of 23 percent, ranking fourth in the league. More importantly, his impact extends beyond the stat sheet. Burns commands attention, creating opportunities for his teammates to make plays.
My annual piece on the NFL’s best — at 102 different skills.
— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) December 4, 2024
Strongest arm, best pocket presence, top ball hawk, best contact balance, most 3rd level range, more.
It’s up at ESPN+ https://t.co/XrjNARHAj5
Dexter Lawrence, meanwhile, continues to dominate in the trenches like few others can. At 6-foot-4 and 340 pounds, Lawrence is a wall in the middle of the Giants' defense.
Bowen praised his physicality, noting how he “demands double-teams in the run game” and still managed to rack up a career-best nine sacks in just 12 games before landing on injured reserve. Lawrence was also named the league’s best run-stopper, boasting a 32 percent run-stop win rate.
The synergy between Burns and Lawrence has been a bright spot in an otherwise dim season. Burns’ edge speed and Lawrence’s interior strength create a nightmare for offenses trying to game plan against them. Together, they’ve given the Giants a foundation to build around, no matter what changes come in the offseason.
While the Giants’ record won’t impress anyone, Burns and Lawrence offer a glimmer of hope. A defense with stars at multiple levels is something any team would envy. With these two anchoring the front, the Giants’ defense is in good hands—and fans can dream of brighter days ahead.