Players to watch in Week 1 matchup vs. Vikings

The trade and subsequent extension for the outside linebacker was the Giants’ biggest splash of the offseason. Given the scheme that defensive coordinator Shane Bowen runs, one that relies less on blitzes and more on the front four getting pressure on the quarterback, this move made a ton of sense. After watching Burns on the practice field all summer, it’s even easier to see why GM Joe Schoen took a big swing on the 26-year-old.

“Obviously the talent is evident,” Bowen said during training camp. “The skill set is unique. I think just his approach day in and day out. He’s taking on a leadership role in that room. I think it’s evolving for us in the unit. But really, ultimate pro on how he goes about his business. He wants to be one of the premier players in this league, and he works that way.”

Burns comes to the Giants as one of only eight players in NFL history with at least 7.5 sacks in each of their first five seasons. He is now joined on the defensive line with the most talented pair of pass rushers he has ever played with in Dexter Lawrence and Kayvon Thibodeaux, as the trio combined for 148 total quarterback pressures last season. The presence of all three will make it impossible for opposing offensive lines to double-team all of them, which will create more one-on-one opportunities for Burns.

“I hope he does take it to a new level,” Bowen said last month. “I do. I think just continuing to be consistent to make sure he takes advantage of his opportunities when he gets chances to rush. I think the complementary piece of what we have up front is probably going to help him a little bit, too, having Dex, having KT, having whoever that fourth guy is. I think that’s going to play a role. But I hope all these guys are striving to achieve more than what they’ve achieved and have goals beyond what has been so far that they can go try to attain for themselves and obviously for us.”

The Vikings tied with the Texans for the 11^th-most sacks allowed last season at 47. Minnesota boasts a talented pair of offensive tackles in Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill, both of whom were regarded highly for their 2023 performance by Pro Football Focus.

A lot was put on the shoulders of Banks during his rookie campaign last year. The young corner started 15 games and was immediately matched up against some of the league’s top wide receivers. Banks earned a passer rating against of 84.7, according to PFF, which ranked 24th out of 74 qualified cornerbacks, in addition to allowing a 57.6 completion rate (53 receptions allowed on 92 targets). He finished with 64 tackles (53 solo), two interceptions and 11 passes defensed.

Now heading into Year 2, Banks is looking at a lot of the same responsibilities as last year. While the Giants will use more zone coverage than they did last year, the 23-year-old will likely still be matched up against the opposing team’s top wideout more often than not, something the Giants believe he’s ready for.

“Tae is up for the challenge of wanting to prove that he can be a number one corner in this league,” assistant general manager Brandon Brown told the media last month. “He knows that he’s got to earn it and that’s not going to be given to him.”

Banks will be tested right out of the gate with a Week 1 matchup against the Vikings’ talented pair of wide receivers. While injuries derailed a good chunk of his 2023 campaign, Justin Jefferson finished the season with 30 receptions for 476 yards and two touchdowns in Minnesota’s final four games, all with Nick Mullens under center. Meanwhile, Jordan Addison put together a strong rookie season with 70 receptions for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns.

“You better know where he’s lined up,” Brian Daboll said about Jefferson earlier this week. “He can hurt you in all three areas of the field. Catch and run, intermediate, vertical, double moves. They’ll use him in a variety of spots, and then you look on the opposite side of it with Addison, who we did a lot of work on when he was coming out last year, who’s an exceptional route runner, very gifted receiver, was excellent at Pitt, and you can see.”