There were plenty of reasons for the New York Giants to hire John Harbaugh this offseason, but his established track record was at the top of the list.
In almost two decades with the Baltimore Ravens, Harbaugh won a Super Bowl and took them to the playoffs 12 times in 18 seasons. But more importantly, he established a strong culture with his grueling practices.
Going from Brian Daboll to Harbs is going from one extreme to another, but it seems like Giants players themselves are liking the change. Jaxson Dart has sung his praises all offseason, but now it's Brian Burns' turn to speak on the new staff and his enjoyment of the newfound difficulties in camp.
While addressing the media after Monday's practice session, Burns was asked about the physical demands of the way the Super Bowl-winning coach runs training camp, and how he feels this team has responded to the level of intensity that is asked of them--and his answer explained a lot.
"Man, these days do stack on you, but like I said, it's camp it's supposed to be hard," Burns said. "It isn't really supposed to be easy. These days do stack on you, but it isn't doing nothing but making us stronger. So, I'm glad to go through that with these boys, and everybody's still working hard, even though they're sore, don't feel like it, unmotivated. But that's part of camp."
Brian Burns is enjoying the demands of John Harbaugh's Giants practices
Burns is one of the leaders in this locker room, and he continues to prove why people respond when he has something to say. Not only is he one of the best players on this team after setting a new career-high with 16.5 sacks last year, he's someone that has been unflappable in his career.
Big Blue's reigning sack leader made a fantastic point: training camp isn't supposed to be easy. As the great Kelly Clarkson once said, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger" so as demanding and as long as these practices might be, it's making this team more prepared for the season that looms.
The 28-year-old has never played in a playoff game across his seven-year career, but losing doesn't change the way he approaches the game. He wants to give it his all, and knowing that Harbaugh will do the same is something he sees as a blessing, not a curse, since he's not scared of the effort.
The practices might be tough and frustrating, but Burns realizes that all his new coach is trying to do is push this team to their limits. This is why he's a three-time Pro Bowler: it might get tough when the days stack up, but he won't let that faze him. He's ready to wreak havoc this year, and he knows this defense is capable of way more than what they accomplished last year. The talent is in place.
Harbaugh almost feels like a modern-day Tom Coughlin, and when players like Brian Burns are leading by example and still working hard, you know this franchise is in good hands both on the field and on the sidelines.
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