Not much is going right for the New York Giants right now. Sitting at 2‑6 for the third straight season, with Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo already out for the year, it’s tough to see this team digging itself out of its sluggish start.
Big Blue is in a rut. After surrendering 33 fourth‑quarter points in Week 7 in Denver in a game they should’ve won, they followed that with a total dud in Philadelphia, losing 38‑20. There weren’t many positives coming out of the loss, but one player stood out — and he just so happens to lead the league in sacks.
Outside linebacker Brian Burns finished the game with two sacks on Jalen Hurts. When asked about the possibility of winning Defensive Player of the Year after another impressive outing, Burns offered an interesting response:
"I don't want to think too much about that, but it would mean a lot to me."Brian Burns
Brian Burns making his case for DPOY despite Giants collapse
There might be a reason why the 27‑year‑old doesn’t want to lean into the hype. While team defense isn’t formally factored into the award, it’s not ignored either. At some point, production needs to lead to team success — and unfortunately for Burns, he’s getting little to no help from his squad.
Once again, the G‑Men find themselves near the bottom in defensive rankings. They sit fourth‑worst in yards allowed per game (382.4) and seventh‑worst in points allowed per game (26.9). Ironically, defensive coordinator Shane Bowen might be the one killing Burns’ DPOY chances.
And what’s likely going to crush them both? The team’s record. Telling voters the NFL’s sack leader deserves the award when he plays on a 3‑14 or 4‑13 team is a hard sell. He might still punch his ticket to finalist status with the individual numbers, but he’ll have to overcome the context.
Still, Burns is on pace to get within striking distance of Michael Strahan's single-season record of 22.5 sacks. And from what history tells us, taking down the quarterback can get you in the conversation.
Take a look at the last eight Defensive Player of the Year winners who lined up at defensive end or outside linebacker — every single one rode dominant sack production straight to the crown:
Player name | Sack total | Year |
|---|---|---|
Myles Garrett | 14.0 | 2023 |
Nick Bosa | 18.5 | 2022 |
T.J. Watt | 22.5 | 2021 |
Khalil Mack | 11.0 | 2016 |
J.J. Watt | 17.5 | 2015 |
J.J. Watt | 20.5 | 2014 |
J.J. Watt | 20.5 | 2012 |
Terrell Suggs | 14.0 | 2011 |
For what it's worth, the former Florida State standout is on pace for right around 21.5 sacks, meaning if he keeps this ridiculous pace up, he should easily be one of the finalists for the coveted award.
And even though Burns doesn’t want to think about the award, the award is quietly thinking about him. The question now isn’t just whether he’ll get there — it’s whether the Giants will let him.