Brian Burns’ selflessness is one of New York Giants’ few positives

New York Giants edge rusher Brian Burns came into this season as a trade acquisition who would help change the culture of a losing team.

Thus far, Burns has not been successful, as the Giants have won just twice in the first 15 weeks of the season but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t made an impression on the field and in the locker room.

Burns, who has 8.0 sacks this season and is far from done, has played through some nagging injuries and has rarely come off the field, playing on over 82 percent of the defensive snaps this season.

“Yeah, competitive young man,” head coach Brian Daboll said on Monday. “He’s been productive for us. Tough, he’s fought through some stuff, nicks and bruises here, done a nice job in his leadership role for us. I’m glad we have him.”

Burns has filled in the leadership void with many of the team’s captains either gone or out hurt. The six-year veteran, who began his career with the Carolina Panthers, has taken charge but hasn’t forgotten it’s a team game.

“I’m proud of the guys that stepped up with Dex being out, Bobby (Okereke) being out,” Burns said after the Giants’ 14-11 loss to the New Orleans Saints last week.

“They did a great job. Those young guys, some of them never even played in a game. So, I’m extremely proud of how they handled themselves today.”

The Giants have ways to go when it comes to becoming competitive again but there are a couple of elements and strong points to build on going forward

Burns has been one of them.