The New York Giants traded two 2024 NFL draft picks for Brian Burns and handed him a deal worth $150 million to be a game-wrecking pass-rusher, and he’s been living up to the billing through three games this year, but the two-time Pro Bowler is about to face his “toughest challenge” against a player Big Blue “wanted” to fall their way in the same draft.
It’s Los Angeles Chargers left tackle Joe Alt, the player selected one pick before the Giants made dynamic wide receiver Malik Nabers the sixth choice over a year ago. Alt will have his hands full with Burns, who’s “registered at least one sack in each of the first three games, but faces his toughest challenge yet this weekend,” according to Giants.com Managing Editor Matt Citak.
The latter believes Burns is in for a tough time because Alt’s “allowed a pressure on just 6.3 percent of his pass blocks this season, according to NGS, which is the fourth-lowest rate among left tackles with 50 or more pass block snaps.”
This is the ultimate what if? matchup for the Giants. They’re happy with how Burns is performing, but what if he can’t make a dent against a blocker as accomplished as Alt?
What if Alt dominates and stings the Giants with another reminder about what might’ve been if they’d selected the natural blindside protector and were no longer tethered to the erratic durability of brittle incumbent Andrew Thomas?
Brian Burns Justifying Giants Trade
Burns is finally proving a week-to-week menace and justifying the ample trade haul the Giants sent to the Carolina Panthers just over 18 months ago. Giants general manager Joe Schoen wanted a bookend for Kayvon Thibodeaux, but Burns is now forcing his way to the top of a rotation also featuring this year’s third-overall pick Abdul Carter.
The scope of his pass-rush plan is setting Burns apart. Like when he got to dual-threat quarterback Jayden Daniels twice against the Washington Commanders in Week 1.
As Nick Falato of SB Nation’s Big Blue View highlighted, Burns first displayed “Unblocked discipline on the backside of a quick pass that Abdul Cater eliminated,” before he used a “Cross-chop dip through + quickness to win the edge.”
He’s finishing plays with valuable QB takedowns, but Burns is also proving more efficient. His four sacks have come from only seven pressures, per Pro Football Reference, a far cry from last season, when he generated 34 pressures, but converted them into only 8.5 sacks.
Burns is turning up the heat, but the Chargers drafted Alt before the Giants could just for these kinds of matchups.
Joe Alt Showing Giants What They’re Missing
It was something of a surprise when a prominent NFL insider revealed the Giants “wanted Alt to fall” to them, but had to settle for Nabers. The latter proved to be a deluxe consolation prize by setting all kinds of records as a prolific playmaker, but there’s still some merit to the idea the Giants might’ve preferred Alt.
They’ve become too reliant on Thomas staying healthy, but the All-Pro has missed 20 games the last three seasons with a variety of injuries. He underwent multiple surgeries this offseason, but Thomas is still far from 100 percent, while Alt has become the linchpin of an imposing offensive line for the Chargers.
The 22-year-old proved immovable against the Kansas City Chiefs and six-time Pro Bowler Chris Jones in Week 1.
Alt’s playing at an elite level, but his recent performances needn’t leave Burns feeling intimidated. Not when Alt can still be beaten, provided he faces enough speed off the edge.
It’s how Denver Broncos pass-rusher Nik Bonitto managed to get around Alt in Week 3.
A rapid takeoff is something Burns shares with Bonitto, proved by the Giants’ starter producing 32 “quick pressures” in 2024, according to Next Gen Stats (h/t New York Giants).
Getting out of his stance in a hurry and closing quickly will be the keys to Burns showing Alt can be vulnerable. Maybe even flawed enough for the Giants to start feeling fortunate he didn’t fall their way and leave them without Nabers.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Brian Burns Faces ‘Toughest Challenge’ vs. Player Giants Wanted in 2024 Draft appeared first on Heavy Sports.