March 14, 2001

Holmes Thinks Giants' Front Seven Could Be NFL's Best

East Rutherford, NJ - Like all NFL players who become free agents, Kenny Holmes wondered which teams would show enough interest to contact him. He did not anticipate one of those teams would be the Giants.

"I was surprised, to be honest," Holmes said. "I didn't know they were looking for a defensive end."

Turns out the Giants are looking first and foremost at improving a team that won the NFC championship last season. And while Cedric Jones was a solid, dependable player at defensive right end, the Giants believe Holmes is a superior pass rusher and better all-around performer who will upgrade the position. On Wednesday, Holmes, who played the last four years with the Tennessee Titans, officially joined the Giants. To make room on the roster, Jones, the Giants first round draft choice in 1996, was released.

Holmes, 27, enjoyed his finest season in 2000, establishing career-highs in sacks (8), tackles (73) and forced fumbles (5). He teamed with Jevon Kearse to give Tennessee one of the finest defensive end combinations in the NFL. Holmes recorded two sacks at both Philadelphia and Baltimore. In Tennessee's playoff loss to the Ravens, Holmes added three tackles and a pass defensed.

Holmes started 13 of the 14 regular season games he played last season. He missed December games against Cincinnati and Cleveland after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery.

In his career, Holmes has started 36 of 58 games and recorded 190 total tackles and 21.5 sacks. He has forced eight fumbles, recovered two fumbles and intercepted two passes.

The addition of Holmes, the 18th pick of the 1997 NFL Draft, gives the Giants an imposing defensive front. Next to Holmes at right tackle is Keith Hamilton, who had a superb season in 2000 when he led the team with 10 sacks. Cornelius Griffin could build on his outstanding rookie season by stepping in for free agent Christian Peter at left tackle. At left end is Michael Strahan, a three-time Pro Bowler who enjoyed in his finest all-around season last year.

Behind the line are two of Holmes friends from the University of Miami, Jessie Armstead and Mike Barrow. Strongside linebacker is a question mark because Ryan Phillips is a free agent. But no matter who mans that position, Holmes believes he is joining one of the league's elite defensive units.

"That's my opinion," he said. "I think we'll have one of the best front sevens, not just one of the best front fours, in the NFL. I saw in the playoffs how well the front seven played, and it was something to watch. I'm looking forward to playing with those guys."

Holmes is transferring from one superb defense to another. Last season, the Titans were first in the NFL in total yards and passing yards allowed per game, first downs allowed and opposing third down efficiency and second in scoring defense. The Giants were fifth in yards allowed, second in rushing defense (Tennessee was third) and fifth in scoring defense.

In Tennessee, Holmes played with standout end Jevon Kearse. With the Giants, he has Strahan and Co.

Oh yes, he will now try to do for the Giants what he could not accomplish with the Titans: win one more game. In the 1999 season, Tennessee lost Super Bowl XXXIV to St. Louis. Now Holmes is joining the team that fell to Baltimore in Super Bowl XXXV.

"It's pretty much the same team," Holmes said. "The defense is great - I'm looking forward to playing with all those guys. They play the same type of ball we played (in Tennessee). We get after them, rush the passer, knock the quarterback down and everybody has fun. Those guys look like they enjoy playing the game."

Holmes visited Giants Stadium last Friday. Before his arrival, he was briefed by Armstead and Barrow, who told them how much they enjoy being a part of the organization. Holmes met with head coach Jim Fassel, defensive coordinator John Fox, defensive line coach Denny Marcin, trainers and other members of the staff.

"Everybody was up front and it was a comfortable situation for me," Holmes said. "That's why I decided to stop and not run around and try to get more money. I wanted to win. They just came from a Super Bowl and their nucleus is still there. So I think we have a good chance of doing that this year."

One published report said the Titans are considering signing Jones to replace Holmes, which would amount to a swap of defensive ends. Jones had improved since a disappointing rookie season, but the Giants thought Holmes was too good a player to pass up. Jones was informed of his fate in a phone call with Fassel.

"The hardest part of my job is to release a guy that has worked very hard in our organization," Fassel said. "When we make decisions we think can improve our team, obviously it affects players that have been here. I've been very pleased with Cedric's development. I've liked having Cedric on our team and in our organization."

Jones, who started every game the last two years at right defensive end, had 47 tackles, 3 ½ sacks and five passes defensed in 2000, despite playing most of the season with a thumb injury.

Jones enjoyed his finest season in 1999, when he had a career-high 7.5 sacks, 59 tackles and five forced fumbles. He finished his Giants career with 15 sacks.

Jones joined the Giants after an outstanding career at the University of Oklahoma, where he holds the all-time record with 31.5 sacks. His rookie season was limited by eye and hamstring injuries and the development of Chad Bratzke, who started ahead of Jones.

In 1997, Jones was again a reserve before moving into the starting lineup when Bratzke suffered a serious leg injury on November 9. Jones started two games before he suffered a severe bone bruise to his femur, as well as some loose bone. He underwent arthroscopic surgery and was later placed on injured reserve, finishing the season with nine tackles.

Jones earned the first sack of his career on Sept. 27, 1998, when he dropped Craig Whelihan in San Diego. In a game at Washington on November 1, Jones stepped into the lineup when Michael Strahan suffered a back injury and registered the first two-sack game of his career. Jones He saw extensive action that season in goal line defenses and on the field goal and extra point units.

After Bratzke joined the Indianapolis Colts as a free agent, Jones moved into the starting lineup. During one four-game span late in the 1999 season, Jones collected five sacks and was credited with five forced fumbles. He also earned a reputation as a superior run-stopper.

In other moves Wednesday, the Giants have released cornerback Andre Weathers and decided not to tender an offer to fullback Craig Walendy.