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New York Giants pass-rusher Brian Burns was not happy with his team following Monday’s 26-18 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“The team needs to grow up,” he said, per Darryl Slater of NJ.com.
He wasn’t the only one who was frustrated, as defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence said, “I think we have to show more passion as a team—or as leaders.”
New York is now 2-6 following the latest loss and could find itself playing out the string on a lost season in the near future if things don’t quickly turn around after Monday’s showing. And it is more of the same for a franchise that is accustomed to this situation.
As Slater noted, the Giants have won two or fewer times at the eight-game mark in seven of the last eight years.
While that may raise questions about head coach Brian Daboll since this is his third year at the helm, Burns said “the coaches can [only] say so much—period. It’s the players.”
The pass-rusher did his part with five tackles, three quarterback hits and one sack, but the defense still allowed Najee Harris to run for 114 yards and quarterback Russell Wilson to throw for 278 yards, one touchdown and zero interceptions.
Daniel Jones also threw a late interception that ended the Giants’ comeback hopes after he previously lost a fumble.
There is some reason for optimism, as rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers looks like a star in the making. Rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. also impressed with 145 yards and a touchdown on the ground against the Steelers.
However, Jones has been inconsistent at best and is now 3-11 as a starter during the last two seasons. He is coming off a torn ACL that cut his 2023 campaign short, but he didn’t exactly look the part of franchise quarterback last year prior to the injury.
Perhaps the best thing for the Giants’ long-term outlook would be finishing with a favorable draft pick and using it on their next potential franchise quarterback even though Jones is signed through the 2026 season.
In the meantime, the players will look to spark a turnaround in 2024, and Burns believes it will take some necessary growth to do just that.
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