For CB Azareye'h Thomas, successfully taking on a starting role as a rookie is all about perspective.
"I felt just a little pressure at first, honestly," he said Monday. "But at the end of the day, it's football. ... It's something I've been playing since I was seven years old. So yes, I'm starting now, but it's the same game I've been playing."
Thomas, who has now started three games for the Green & White, returned to the lineup last Sunday in Baltimore after he was sidelined in Week 11 with a concussion. The 21-year-old, who recorded 3 tackles and 1 pass defense in the loss, said "it was a blessing" to be back on the field and help his unit "continue to establish our brand of football."
That brand was on display early Sunday, as Thomas contributed to a unit that held the Ravens to their fewest net offensive yards in the first half of a game this season (72). QB Lamar Jackson completed 6-of-11 passes for 59 yards and TE Mark Andrews was held without a reception as the Green & White surrendered just a field goal before the break.
The Ravens, however, found some answers offensively in the second half. RB Derrick Henry scored rushing TDs on two consecutive possessions. And despite keeping explosive playmakers mostly in check, HC Aaron Glenn acknowledged that the Jets did not respond well enough to secure a victory. Sustaining pressure and closing out games will now be a point of emphasis as the Jets look ahead to the final six games of the season.
"Just not wavering," Thomas said of how to sustain pressure. "Just continue to execute and do the things that we need to do. Not waver from the game plan. Just because we're up or we're down, whatever -- the score is 0-0. I feel like as long as we have that mindset, we'll be just fine."
Maintaining that mindset will be important as the Jets face another offense with explosive playmaking ability this Sunday. As the team prepares for a matchup with veteran QB Kirk Cousins and RB Bijan Robinson, whose 1396 scrimmage yards rank third in the NFL this season, Thomas said having "short-term memory" and flushing last week's result will be key.
And for Thomas, who has recorded 5 pass defenses and 15 tackles in his first pro season, keeping perspective will help him navigate the highs and lows -- this week and beyond.
"The biggest thing is just being a sponge," Thomas said of his rookie season. "I feel like when you first come in, you're overthinking. Just doing your job -- I feel like that's the biggest thing. The biggest thing I've been harping on is really just earning trust from my teammates and my coaches. I feel like everything else will take care of itself."
