Darnay Holmes is only a third-year player, but his experience is coveted in the defensive backs room. Since losing players like Xavier McKinney and Fabian Moreau to injury, Holmes' leadership role is growing in tandem with signal-caller Julian Love. Darnay recently joined John Schmeelk of the Giants Huddle podcast to share details about his own preparation as he comes off a stellar Thanksgiving performance against the Dallas Cowboys.
Wink Martindale is Holmes' second defensive coordinator in three years, but the young cornerback admitted that he is finally comfortable with the role he's carved out for himself.
"Being a guy who grew up in an impoverished area, it's survival of the fittest," Homes said. "And having a coordinator that embodies that and allows you to show your skillet and is not passive and is optimistic about his game plan, it allows you to get paid in this league."
Holmes shared that the defensive scheme reflects Martindale's composure, which is calm and collected. The players honor their coaches' commitments by putting in time of their own with early mornings and late nights.
"Having these guys that we have on the coaching staff is a blessing," Holmes said.
Holmes also noted that preparation is the most important factor for success each week.
"Good fundamentals and good technique (yield) big plays," said Holmes, who broke up a pass to set up Julian Love's interception last week in Dallas. "It was pretty much like a drill play, seeing it, feeling it and playing it how it's supposed to be play."
The growth process is far from linear, and Holmes detailed his mentality when asked about the ensuing six games: "The DB lifestyle is being obsessed with improvement, being a person who's not intimidated by any matchup (and) being a person who's constantly crafting even when things are going your way."
The Giants enter December with a slate of meaningful games in pursuit of a playoff berth. The first of those opponents is the Washington Commanders, whom the Giants face this Sunday in MetLife Stadium.
"I'm excited for whatever matchup comes my way," Holmes said. "I'm excited about going up against top guys because it shows where I'm at."
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