Sun Nov 10 14:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Giants’ Burns Ready for Revenge Match Against Former Team, the Panthers
New York Giants edge rusher Brian Burns will face his former team, the Carolina Panthers, for the first time on Sunday. Burns, who spent five seasons with the Panthers before being traded to the Giants this past offseason, admits to being “a little extra-motivated” for the matchup.
Burns, a two-time Pro Bowler with the Panthers, is having a strong season with the Giants, recording 5.0 sacks in nine games. He’s on pace for his third season with at least 9.0 sacks. Beyond the stats, Burns has become a leader in the Giants locker room, despite playing through injuries.
The Giants acquired Burns in a trade for a second-round pick and two fifth-round picks, sending a fifth-rounder back to Carolina. They then signed Burns to a five-year, $141 million contract, prioritizing pass rush over safety play.
Their choice of Burns over safety Xavier McKinney, who is now having a career year with the Green Bay Packers, continues to be debated. The Giants’ gamble on Burns, however, seems to be paying off as he continues to be a formidable force on the field.
Burns, despite the Giants’ current 2-7 record, remains motivated by his teammates and his own desire to succeed. “Honestly, just from within,” he said about staying motivated during a tough season, “And also because of the guys next to me. I don’t want to put them in harm’s way because I’m not doing my job or do anything to let them down in any kind of way. So, I would say those are the main things that keep me motivated through a tough season.”
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