Is Marcus Holman the Patriots’ next cornerback? 

Probably not, but he made a pretty intriguing case for himself last Saturday in San Diego.

There’s no question the Boston Cannons attackman has a flair for the dramatics. Now tied with Ryan Boyle for sixth all-time in professional lacrosse in points (487), the veteran righty is one of the most accurate shooters in the game. 

Best known for his quick release and precision, his step-down shot can stretch a defense and create a SportsCenter Top 10 highlight in the process. As the league leader in scoring points (24), Holman can capitalize from any area of the field. His artillery as a shooter is limitless; opposing defenses know this. The 10-time All-Star doesn’t exactly fly under the radar offensively. But do scouting reports include his defensive aptitude?

With two Kavanagh brothers on the roster, of course the Cannons ride hard. And though he’s known more for his natural abilities as a scorer, Holman is one of the grittiest and most agile attackmen in the league. On this team, you’re never going to see any player in red, white and blue give up on a play. 

With the Denver Outlaws up 5-4 in the early second quarter, Boston’s offense was looking to get into a groove quickly in the 32-second shot clock after a faceoff win by Zac Tucci. But after Tucci lost possession out of bounds as he pushed into transition, it looked like it was going to be another opportunity for Denver to build on its lead. 

Certainly, some teams ride harder than others in the PLL. But one has to think when the Outlaws saw the Cannons attack retreat into a three-down posture to put pressure on the clear, they would know they needed to be as polished as possible, especially with Pat Kavanagh on the field. 

Instead, it would seem Denver goalie Owen McElroy underestimated Holman and the Cannons’ ride. 

McElroy’s “lazy pass thrown into the afternoon sun,” as Quint Kessenich put it, intended for Mike Manley found its way into the stick of Holman. 

Hustling to intercept the pass, the Cannons attackman gave his best DaRon Bland impression as he positioned himself in front of Manley to grab the ball in midair and immediately speed toward the crease. 

From football to basketball, he went from the pick-off to the slam dunk, diving over the crease to bury one right center.