When the New England Patriots take the field against the New York Giants on Monday Night Football, all eyes will be on a matchup that goes beyond the scoreboard. This one’s about trench warfare - and for the Patriots, it’s about what they don’t have: a dominant edge rusher. That’s where Giants defensive end Brian Burns enters the conversation.
Burns isn’t just another name on the depth chart - he’s a certified problem for opposing offenses. A two-time Pro Bowler, he’s been wreaking havoc all season long, racking up 54 tackles, 13 sacks, and two forced fumbles.
That kind of production isn’t new for him. Back in 2022, when he earned Pro Bowl honors with the Panthers, he posted 63 tackles and 12.5 sacks.
He’s right on pace with that again this year - and showing no signs of slowing down.
For New England, that’s a bit of a sore spot. The Patriots have been trying to patch together a pass rush with Harold Landry III and K’Lavon Chaisson off the edge, but the results have been inconsistent at best. Add in the absence of standout defensive tackle Milton Williams - a major interior disruptor - and it’s clear the defense is missing a true game-changer on the line.
That’s what makes a player like Burns so valuable. He’s not just a sack artist - he tilts the field.
He forces quarterbacks to rush throws, offensive coordinators to rethink protections, and offensive lines to stay up at night. Simply put, he’s the kind of piece that could elevate the Patriots’ defense from solid to scary.
Of course, Burns isn’t going anywhere anytime soon - the Giants know what they’ve got. But his presence on the field Monday night is a reminder of what New England is missing. With the 2026 offseason looming, it’s safe to say that finding a true No. 1 edge rusher will be near the top of the Patriots’ to-do list, whether through free agency or the draft.
In the meantime, the Patriots will have their hands full trying to keep Burns off rookie quarterback Drake Maye. That’s a tall order for an offensive line that’s been battling injuries all season. If Burns gets loose - and history says he will - it could be a long night for New England’s offense.
This game won’t just be a test of strength between two storied franchises - it’s a showcase of what a dominant edge rusher can do. And for the Patriots, it might just be a preview of the kind of player they’ll be hunting for in the months ahead.