Following the 49ers vs. Jags cornerback switch, Shanahan gives Thomas a complement.
One of the standout plays from the 49ers’ 34-3 thrashing of the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday at EverBank Stadium came from cornerback Ambry Thomas, who entered the game undrafted.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan commended his cornerbacks during a Monday conference call with media for their response to the last-minute changes made to the starting lineup during the game.
“I thought they did pretty good,” Shanahan remarked. “Deommodore Lenoir seemed to me to fly around and make a lot of moves in the nickel spot. Ambry made some really nice plays, in my opinion, particularly the turnover that led to the fumble. If only a few people—not myself included—had not entered the field, he would have scored a touchdown. However, I was really pleased with those people, and I hope they keep improving.”
After forcing the ball from wide receiver Christian Kirk’s hands inside San Francisco’s 10-yard line and running it back for a touchdown that would have been a touchdown had 49ers sideline members not entered the field, Thomas’ forced fumble proved to be the decisive blow that ended any hopes of a Jaguars comeback.
In light of Thomas’ impressive performance, Shanahan was questioned about whether Sunday’s backup lineup would serve as the model going forward.
Shanahan replied, “I mean, we don’t think anything long-term.” Week to week is always the case. So, I was pleased with how last week went. We’ll find out on Wednesday what we think is the greatest after watching [the] movie here for the next 48 hours. I am aware that [Deommodore Lenoir] had to come out for at least one play in that game, if not two. Oliver’s son, Isaiah, entered without missing a beat. We have some choices because, in my opinion, Isaiah played some really terrific ball for us this year as well. We’ll see how this plays out and it all depends on who we’re playing. However, we investigate it every week.”
After being taken in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draught, Thomas’ time with the 49ers has been ups and downs, but in his third season in the league, it seems like he is starting to click.
If Thomas can continue to play at the high level he did in Jacksonville on Sunday, it wouldn’t be shocking to see San Francisco rely more on him.
