Arizona's linebackers are much faster and more mobile than any group Thomas has faced in games 1-3. In the passing game, he must expand his vision wider to see defenders cutting across passing lanes, and be more more mindful of his targets, his trajectory, and looking off defenders as he reads his options. He has to be decisive and hit open receivers when they are open.
Most of all, he has to trust himself, trust his teammates, and keep playing with the heart and confidence and courage he has displayed so far.
LB is certainly the strength of the Sun Devils. But it is also a strong component in the Duck defensive arsenal. Thomas goes up against that unit daily. Sure helps his preparation for games like this that he faces excellent competition every day in practice.
ReplyDeleteNC--
ReplyDeleteGood point. Another benefit of Coach Kelly's "iron sharpens iron" philosophy. Ducks have a lot of practice periods that are ones vs ones.
Thanks for commenting. 23 hours to kickoff.
Dale