While it has been a disastrous start for the NY Giants as a whole, disappointing doesn't even begin to describe the first two games for star pass-rusher Brian Burns. He was the splash offseason move for Joe Schoen, with the G-Men pulling off a blockbuster trade to land him from the Panthers. Then, the front office gave him a $141 million extension.
Since then, the hype has been through the roof for Burns, but he hasn't lived up to things. Thus far this season, he has seven total tackles and no sacks. The G-Men paid him top dollar to bring down opposing quarterbacks and that hasn't been the case in two contests.
To make matters worse for Burns and Brian Daboll, the veteran playmaker is dealing with a groin injury and it's unknown if he'll play vs. Cleveland. Give us a break:
Giants OLB Brian Burns (groin) is listed as questionable. This is new. He wasn't on the injury report earlier this week.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) September 20, 2024
LB Darius Mausau (knee) is also questionable and CB Nick McCloud is out.
Giants pass-rusher Brian Burns is questionable to take on the Browns in Week 3
If Burns is unable to go, then look for Azeez Ojulari to see more action working with Kayvon Thibodeaux. Thibodeaux himself is a little banged up, but Daboll said that the former No. 5 overall pick is going to be ready to rock vs. the Browns. Will the same be said for Burns once kickoff arrives?
That remains a bit up in the air, but for the sake of his confidence, we really hope he can suit up. It hasn't been an ideal start to his Giants career. He's underperforming and missing action only two games into things would be a setback as well.
When he's on his game, Burns is no question one of the best pass-rushers in the business - that's why his slow start for the Giants, Daboll and defensive coordinator Shane Bowen has been so perplexing. If the Giants are to have a shot at upsetting Cleveland on the road, everyone will need to be at their best. The list includes Burns, but Daboll and Co. might have to go to battle without him.