Thomas of the 49ers discusses his mistakes against the Packers in an interview that first aired on NBC Sports Bay Area
SANTA CLARA —The 49ers’ 24-21 victory over the Green Bay Packers in the divisional playoff round on Saturday featured one of Ambry Thomas’s most difficult performances to date, but the cornerback is grateful to have had the opportunity.
The Michigan product missed two tackles, gave up 74 yards on all five of his targets, and was flagged for two extremely costly penalties, both on third down. However, Thomas is confident that his game experience will benefit him against the Detroit Lions in Sunday’s NFC Championship Game, having been sidelined earlier this month due to a hand injury that required surgery.
Thomas remarked on Wednesday, “I feel like there’s nothing like live reps.” “With the live reps, you develop. I’m grateful for everything that happened to me this week because I now know what’s coming up.
Following a hand injury sustained during San Francisco’s New Year’s Eve victory over the Washington Commanders, Thomas was unable to participate in the game. It took 20 days for the cornerback to play in a game during the 49ers’ NFL playoff debut.
Thomas remarked, “I felt like I had to get back in the swing of things.” “Those repetitions are crucial at this time, and I wasn’t practicing during that period of time. I’m regaining them this week and getting back into the swing of things.
The 49ers will be depending on Thomas to assist in containing quarterback Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions’ explosive passing game in Sunday’s NFC championship game. The third-round selection, who was responsible for 54 of San Francisco’s 83 total penalty yards against the Packers, cannot repeat his performance.
According to Thomas, the reason he wasn’t performing up to par was a lack of confidence.
“Basically, just knowing who I am,” Thomas remarked. Just having faith in my abilities, coaches, and technique. For me, it was just that.
Early in the third quarter, with the Packers trailing the 49ers 7-6, Thomas was called for defensive pass interference for 41 yards on a third-and-15 play.
The following play resulted in a touchdown for Packers quarterback Jordan Love and receiver Bo Melton.
Thomas stated, “I’m picking that, honestly, if I just play my game and stay on top.” “I was kind of shocked because usually when you look at me on film, I’m on top of that.” It’s more of a get into the zone kind of thing, though. and simply assessing matters once more.
During the divisional-round victory, Thomas sought advice from San Francisco veterans such as Tre Greenlaw, Fred Warner, Ashaun Gipson, and Charvarius Ward, but it was possibly Trent Williams who made the biggest difference.
The All-Pro left tackle instantly gave his younger counterpart more confidence by telling him that his play was good enough for the 49ers to move on to the next round.
In order to prepare for and boost his confidence before the Lions travel to Santa Clara for Sunday’s win-or-go-home game, Thomas will have a full week of practice. In order to get ready, the 24-year-old promised he would be working out against Brandon Aiyuk.
