Seahawks and Cowboys in Texas Two Step dance with Earl Thomas
When it comes to Earl Thomas and the Cowboys, it seems like the dance never ends. Now we aren’t sure if Thomas will play for the Seahawks Sunday.
Earl Thomas is a great player. I’m pretty sure you know that, but I kind of had to remind myself. Throughout his holdout with the Seahawks, I was sympathetic to Thomas’s position. I saw Seattle’s position as well, and obviously the Seahawks won this battle is back on the team. It doesn’t seem like management won the war with Thomas, though. And with the latest intrigue, that seems more evident than ever.
The Seahawks All-Pro safety missed practice on both Wednesday and Friday. Coach Pete Carroll made it clear that it Thomas isn’t injured. Thomas only sat for one defensive play against the Bears Monday night, so he’s clearly in game shape. And this is where things get truly weird.
As Gregg Bell reported in The News Tribune, there’s something of a mystery involving Thomas leading into the Cowboys game this week. Thomas was on the sidelines for practice Friday, but didn’t participate. Here’s the scoop from Bell:
"Earl Thomas was at Seahawks practice today. Carroll: “he couldn’t work today. We’ll see how he’s doing. Make sure he’s OK.” Not an injury. “He’s got some other stuff going on, that we are working on. Yes, it a personal nature. That’s why I’m not talking about it.” Something’s up."
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I agree with Bell. Something is definitely up. Of course with Thomas, personal reasons could be any one of a myriad of things. He could be contemplating mowing the grass. Here’s a quote from Earl published by Sports Illustrated a few years ago.
"“When I started cutting the grass, everything went silent, just like in a football game. You have the design, the lines, everything neat and crisp. That’s pride in your craft, Jack.”"
No, I don’t think Thomas is in a funk over the lines on his lawn, either. I think he’s not too happy over what he sees as disrespect from the Seahawks. And facing the Cowboys, his “hometown” team, is bringing that home for him. That doesn’t mean he’s about the disrespect, or that he should have any issues facing Dallas.
I could be, and probably am, completely wrong about this. It does make you wonder if Thomas’s head is in the right place, though. I have a feeling another quote from Thomas will resonate for him in time to take on the Cowboys.
"“I believe in the warrior’s mentality. I love Kung Fu movies, hero stuff, the way that life is discipline. I can relate. I got that warrior blood, bro.”"
Warrior blood. Hero stuff. That’s the Earl Thomas 12s know. I expect that despite his infatuation with his boyhood team, he’ll be ready to go Sunday. If nothing else, he may consider it a feature-length audition. Even if that’s the case, the Seahawks win.