Cornerback Daven Holly filled in for Leigh Bodden (sore ankle) with the
first-team defense Thursday afternoon. Holly joined the Browns last year and was
a pleasant surprise, starting 12 games, intercepting five passes and scoring two
touchdowns. He is competing with Eric Wright and Kenny Wright for the second and
third cornerback spots.
How do you feel in your second season with the Browns?
Really comfortable. I know the defense. I continue to say that, I know my
defense now. I know where I’m supposed to be, where I fit. It allows me to play
faster than I did last year and get good plays on the ball.
What do you expect your role to be?
I don’t know. I guess that’s up to the coaches and the front office, whoever
makes the decisions on that. I feel it could range from anywhere. I definitely
could be a starter. At the same time, I could be a backup. Who knows? I know I’m
playing well right now and I’m doing some things well on the football field each
and every day. The sky’s the limit.
Have you always been a ballhawk?
College was the same thing. I had a lot of interceptions in college and had
opportunities to get my hands on the ball last year a lot. That’s one of the
things I’ve been trying to work on -- getting turnovers and getting pass
defections to keep the defense off the field and make plays.
Why are you able to find the ball?
I think it has a lot to do with my speed and my ability. Being able to read
and diagnose. Knowing where I’m supposed to be, then having the quickness and
the ability to break on the football.
Where’d you get your sure hands?
I was a wide receiver in college, so I can catch the ball pretty well. I try
to make sure I catch the ball first, then run with it.
What’s your reaction to Gary Baxter’s return?
It’s amazing. It’s a credit to him and his determination to get back on the
field and help this football team out.