Loading ...Terrell Thomas' injury in last season's second preseason game against the Chicago Bears was perhaps the team's most devastating injury in an offseason that included the loss of several other key players. However, the New York Giants persevered through it all, and went on to win their second Super Bowl in five seasons. While speaking at his own youth football camp, Thomas addressed how he felt after his injury last preseason.
"It was a big-time situation for me. I had contract talks on the horizon, I was picked to really break out that year, so it was tough. A lot of hard work went in throughout the lockout. It was a time to get ahead, but you take everything as a lesson, and that is what I did. I feel I'm a lot stronger as an individual, as a man," Thomas said.
With the last year's extremely up and down season, Thomas became a forgotten man in many circles. The fifth-year veteran out of USC actually led the Giants in tackles in 2010 and was looking to have a Pro Bowl caliber season in 2011. Although his replacement, Aaron Ross, played relatively well in Thomas' absence, General Manager Jerry Reese decided to let Ross leave via free agency and resign Thomas to a 4 year/ $28 million deal.
Thomas' return to the team should provide a needed boost to a Giants' secondary that looked bad at times last season. However, although Thomas is expected to be the starting cornerback alongside Corey Webster, there is stiff competition for the position heading into training camp. Second year player Prince Amukamara recently had this to say regarding his goals for this season:
"I wouldn’t say ‘start over,’ ” Amukamara said. “Just ‘keep going.’ I still have a job to win and that’s my mentality, to come in and be one of the starting cornerbacks.”
Thomas was not brought back to the team to play in a back-up role, but he does have to prove that he has fully healed from his torn ACL before the team will anoint him as the starting cornerback in training camp. While addressing the media, Thomas talked about the role he expects to play for the team this season:
"I've said I'm the starter, and they brought me back to be the starter, and that is the mindset I have. I'm not going to go in saying, 'Oh, I want to compete for a job.' No, I'm the starter," he said.
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last year Corey Webster and Aaron Ross –
this year Corey Webster , TT , AND Amukamara – like Joey says in friends , meat – good , trifle good – whats not to like ?
I mean , as far as the Giants go – they let Ross walk – I know that it is often a case of money they dont want to spend but the management must have felt OK in getting along with these 2/3 CBs
Hakeem Nicks (foot surgery) told WFNZ in his hometown of Charlotte that he’ll “definitely” be healthy in training camp.
Nicks revealed that he’s shed his walking boot and resumed running on his own. “Definitely making training camp,” Nicks promised. “I started running about two weeks [ago] but the coaches don’t really want me to force the issue right now. … They want me to just take my time with it — they feel like that’s what’s best. … But I’ll definitely be ready for the season.”
Looks like Nicks might be ready for training camp after all.
Regarding Rivers, I could be wrong on this (and if I am, someone please feel free to correct me), but didn’t Marvin Lewis and the Bengals use a cover 2 scheme ? Is it that much different from what Perry Fewells version of the cover 2 ?
I would think with the similarity of the 2 schemes, Rivers would have some kind ease in learning the playbook that should benefit him or help him.
As for Thomas, I honestly have no idea what his future bodes for him, and if he can stay healthy, and even if he can, can he be the player he was before.
If TT comes all the way back and Prince learns and grows more confident, this defense will be scary good. But, as the season opens, TT may be a step slow and Prince might still be somewhere along the learning curve. I fear this backfield might not be able to shut teams down until a third of the season is over. By then it might be too late.