Stepping into a starting lineup as a 21-year-old rookie is no easy task.

But for CB Azareye'h Thomas, who did just that in Week 8 against Cincinnati, it was just another important step as he navigates his first year in the NFL.

"It's been everything that I've expected, and more," Thomas said of his rookie season. "… There's been some growing pains. But we all know growth -- sometimes you've got to go through a little pain, a little struggle. But overall, it's been a blessing."

Prior to the game against the Bengals, the Jets' third-round draft selection had only played 42 defensive snaps this season. But after CB Sauce Gardner sustained a concussion in Week 7 against Carolina, Thomas' name was called -- and he started and played all 59 defensive snaps in the Week 8 win.

It was a moment that Thomas has been preparing for throughout the season, leaning on teammates such as Gardner and CB Brandon Stephens to help elevate his game.

"I ask Sauce, just how does he watch film? B Steve, the same way. Me and B Steve get work after practice every day. I'm just trying to pick his brain and add it to my game."

Thomas put that insight to good use in Week 8, breaking up a Joe Flacco pass intended for Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase during the third quarter. The critical play came after Thomas gave up a 44-yard touchdown to WR Tee Higgins during the second quarter.

"My major takeaway is responding," Thomas said. "Having short-term memory. We all know I gave up that touchdown. But growing up in a competitive family, you may get me once, but you won't get me again."

Thomas & Co. did not allow Higgins to make another catch all game, and Chase was held to just 30 receiving yards in the second half after recording 61 yards before the break. For Thomas, it was a testament to the strong game plan put together by DC Steve Wilks, and the critical adjustments that were made throughout the come-from-behind win.

"I'm not even thinking about myself," Thomas said of his reaction to the game. "I'm thinking about the team, Coach Wilks, the game plan he had in place. I went over to him and I said, 'I love you coach,' just because of his belief in me."

Thomas, who only played 3 years of college football at Florida State before declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft, understands the outside noise that accompanies being a young player in the league. But it's his teammates and the coaching staff that have allowed him to embrace the opportunity to immediately contribute.

"Having the guys around me, they've truly instilled a confidence within me and I know they trust me," he said. "When you have a coach that trusts you -- the whole defense -- you can see it. We trusted [Wilks'] game plan and went out there and executed and came out with the W."