Ambry Thomas has Brought Stability to the 49ers Secondary

One of the reasons that the 49ers have been elite on defense since the Bye week is thanks to cornerback Ambry Thomas.

He has been playing incredibly well since he was reinserted as the starter for the 49ers in their nickel package. Before the move, the 49ers were rolling with Isaiah Oliver in the slot with Deommodore Lenoir remaining on the outside. With Thomas in, he holds it down on the outside with Lenoir kicking inside to the slot. This version of Thomas has looked unrecognizable in the last three games.

Thomas has easily brought stability to the 49ers secondary. I never would have imagined that he could perform this well. Earlier in the season when he was getting playing time, he wasn't playing anywhere close to this good. In fact, he was a serious liability in coverage. Now, he is playing on a completely different level. Thomas is growing before our very eyes.

The only concern here is that it could just be only a good stretch he is having. The sample size of three games is still small after all. And perhaps the addition of Chase Young, who is unlocking the pass rush, is helping as well. However, the plays he is making and the consistency of how he is handling staying in coverage on his receiver has been so solid. I'd like to think it is more legitimate with his talents growing than just a simple streak of luck for him.

For the 49ers sake, they better hope he can remain at this level he is at. It keeps Oliver off the field, who was more down than up with his play, and gives the 49ers a trustworthy cornerback on both sides of the field. This version of the 49ers defense the last three games has been so much better than the one when they opened up 5-0 on the season. And Thomas is playing a factor into it.