While discussing the Giants' offensive line and his own development, left tackle Andrew Thomas explained what sets teammate Brian Burns apart as one of the NFL's top pass rushers.

During his recent appearance on the Giants Nation Show, Andrew Thomas shared his perspective on Burns dominance. Per Thomas, Burns is not built on physical ability, but on his intelligence and planning.

"I would say with Burns, he obviously has the athletic gifts, as he can bend," said Thomas on the Giants Nation Show. "He's, you know, lateral quickness, all that stuff like that. He's lanky. Um, but I would say his understanding of the game, like how to set up his rushes, he'll make rushes look similar."

Commenting on the @GiantsNationShow YouTube video alongside Skinner, Thomas highlighted an underrated aspect of pass rushing. Burn disguises his intentions by making multiple rushes appear the same before making a different move.

He can manipulate offensive lineman blockers, which pushes them to hesitate, giving Burns an edge even against the league's top tackles. His visual study and football IQ have become valuable just as much as his physical abilities.

Burns joined the Giants in 2024 and levelled up his game in the 2025 season. He recorded a career-high 16.5 sacks, 67 total tackles, and Second-Team All-Pro recognition.

He entered the NFL in 2019 and has grown into one of the best edge defenders with multiple Pro Bowl selections and more than 70 career sacks.

Burns is the centerpiece of the Giants' defensive front. His leadership and consistency play an important role as the New York Giants build a disruptive defense.

Thomas believes that football IQ is what separates Burns from many talented pass rushers, and he pointed to that difference when discussing the Giants' younger edge defenders.

Andrew Thomas points to Brian Burns' biggest advantage

Burns may have made it to the headlines, but Andrew Thomas believes there is a reason he stands out from Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux.

"Abdul and KT, they're I think they're equally as talented. It's just taking that next step in understanding the game," said Thomas on the Giants Nation Show.

Thomas also explained that Burns' consistency is what separates him from the Giants' younger edge rushers, particularly Abdul Carter.

"Abdul is the type of rusher where it's like if he's facing a bad tackle, like that's just he's a rack it up type of guy where I feel like Burns is just kind of like consistent where Abdul will just rack it up against some poor right tackle," Thomas added.

For Thomas, Burns' greatest strength isn't just his athleticism but the way he studies and sets up blockers, something he believes Carter and Thibodeaux can continue to develop as they gain experience.

Do you agree with Andrew Thomas' perspective on Brain Burns? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Hetal Moleshri

Edited by

Rudra Dubey