New York Giants’ defense set to gain back two influential defensive backs

New York Giants, Darnay Holmes
Sep 27, 2020; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mohamed Sanu (14) gains yards after catch as New York Giants cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) tackles during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Giants have been dealing with a string of injuries the past few weeks, notably against the Arizona Cardinals and Cleveland Browns. Without James Bradberry in week 15, the Giants’ secondary was shredded by quarterback Baker Mayfield. Against the Baltimore Ravens, they desperately need a better performance on defense, let alone on offense.

The Ravens have arguably one of the worst passing attacks in the NFL, so the Giants should have success in the secondary, but their running game is ranked first in the league, which matches up well against Patrick Graham’s unit’s strengths.

The New York Giants are getting back arguably their best defender:

Bradberry making his return will be extremely influential. He is able to shut down one side of the field or match up well in man coverage against any opponent. Bradberry was awarded a Pro Bowl nod this season for his performance, and losing him last week proved to be significant. Nonetheless, they will have him active and ready to go against Baltimore, but one other defensive back will also be making a return.

Slot corner Darnay Holmes has missed the last two weeks with a knee injury. He has made significant strides forward this season with the defense. Losing Holmes proved to be catastrophic the past two weeks, as the Giants were forced to utilize supplements in his absence.

Rookie safety Xavier McKinney suffered through slot duties, and he was shredded on multiple occasions by the Browns. Against Arizona, Larry Fitzgerald worked out of the slot and picked up chunks of yardage in the middle of the field without Holmes in coverage, so getting him back will prove to be beneficial against Baltimore.

As long as the Giants can mitigate the Ravens’ passing attack, they can force them to utilize the run game. Thankfully, the Giants have a top-10 run defense with their big interior defenders. However, star linebacker Blake Martinez is questionable for the contest with an ankle injury he picked up this past week. If he is unable to go, they will lose a key cog in the middle of the defense, especially against the run.

Nonetheless, Holmes is also expected to perform in the running game as the slot corner. He has increasingly become more efficient as the season has progressed in run defense, and his coverage grades have also taken gradual steps forward, per PFF.

So far this season, Holmes has 30 combined tackles, five passes defended, and a 75% completion rate against. He’s also missed 18.9% of his tackles, indicating he has struggled at times. Earlier this season, a majority of these poor statistics were acquired, but he has taken such big steps the past few active weeks, it’s not even comparable.