iceshack149

I've always liked Fred Thomas. I thought it was a good read.

http://www.topix.net/r/0W51BLKIpl=2B...M59=2BDHPi=2Bn

...Thomas was one of the few bright spots on a unit that didn't have much success during a 3-13 season in 2005. He led the team with 11 pass deflections, tied for fourth with 86 tackles, posted a career-high three sacks and added two interceptions to help the Saints finish third in passing defense.

First-year defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs said Thomas stood out immediately when he studied film of the players he inherited this off-season.

Gibbs said the most remarkable thing about Thomas is that, at 32, he's one of the NFL's top players at such a physically demanding position...

papz

I think he's a very under rated guy and I've also always liked him. People are so down on him because he had a bad season after we matched that nice contract Philly offered him. He rebounded last year and I expect him to have another solid season. I have no problem with him starting this season but he is getting up there in age... hopefully we'll finally address our need at corner this coming offseason.

hagan714

glad he is around. i hope joey thomas steps up and gets the #3 spot

along

Thomas is the tye of player we need!

8)

patdog

I like Fred but I hope one of the free agents step up during preseason and take the job.

TheDeuce

I've always liked Fred Thomas. I think he's a solid player, not spectacular, but he usually gets the job done. I think he can be a little better this season with a competent defensive coordinator. I wouldn't mind seeing Freddy in that starting spot opposite of MM, but in reality I just want the best player to step up and EARN the position. The safety position has been sounding very good from camp reports I've been reading, and MM is obviously going to be a stud, but this is the one secondary position that has serious question marks IMO. I think Fred can get the job, and I hope that the new defensive scheme/coordinator will be able to help him improve from last year.

papz

Care to retract that statement TheDeuce? I can recall a conversation we've had with you saying he's a awlful cornerback and he cannot get the job done.

DJLengai

In 2000-2001 I used to go to weekly meetings with Kevin Mathis, T. Smith, AB, K. Mitchell, and some other guys. I worked the sound set up for Kevin's buisness meetings. You guys may remember me posting here inviting fans to come meet the players (although it was probably regarded as spam since no one replied). I got to know Kevin pretty well.

I remember one night I was unloading my equipment in the parking garage and Kevin pulled up in a big SUV blasting music. My friend and I said he had a nice ride to which he replied, "No, this is Norman Hand's. He let me borrow it." We walked into the confrence room together and were talking about the game against the Giants where he took out Greg Comella on a strongside play to which he replied, "Humph...Greg Comella." My friend mentioned Fred Thomas, not in a bad way becuase we both liked him from Seattle when Springs was out, and he sharply said, "Fred is a great corner."

So, that's coming from someone who plays the same position on the same team. I know Fred's getting older, but the way he's played like a mad dog even with a cast on his hand and his way of showing up like Willie Clay at the right moment has made me a big fan of his. I think he'll start and he'll impress again this season.

D24pick

Thomas is one of the most underrated DB's in the league...Hes always put up good #'s and I've always liked him...

I sure hope Joey Thomas is a late bloomer b/c Craft isn't doing much AT ALL!

jergensl

i really started liking thomas when he played with that huge q-tip on his hands a few years ago...he has tons of heart and give us some consistency at a position that has been anything but in my 16years as a saints fan