The Seahawks’ have been talking about 
In only his second season, the team’s free safety has the recognition to go with the potential, as Thomas was named the starter on the NFC Pro Bowl squad Tuesday. He is the first Seahawk to earn a Pro Bowl berth since left tackle Walter Jones and linebacker Julian Peterson in 2008.
The 5-foot-10, 202-pound Thomas has altered – and improved – his game this season. While his interceptions are down (two, compared to five during his rookie season), Thomas’ tackles are up (88, from 71 last season) and so is his knowledge of the defense and impact on a unit that ranks ninth in the league entering Sunday’s season finale against the Cardinals in Arizona.
“I know Earl hasn’t had the picks, but he is playing better,” defensive coordinator Gus Bradley said recently. “He’s playing more disciplined football for us.”
While Thomas tied the franchise rookie record for interceptions last season, he understands there is more to playing the free safety position that picking off passes.
“My whole mindset is just to make everybody on the defense better,” he said recently. “My better ways might not be seen by everybody out there, but everybody on the team knows. So me playing in the box (closer to the line of scrimmage and between the tackles), I haven’t been able to roam as much. But it hasn’t really affected me.
“I just try to do better in other areas. Like get more tackles.”
Those who matter most have noticed the improvement in Thomas’ overall game. He was not among the Top 3 at his position in the fan balloting for the Pro Bowl, so it was the other players and coaches in the NFC that put him over the top when they cast their ballots last week.
John Lynch has been onto Thomas since early this season. Lynch, a nine-time Pro Bowl safety during his career, is now an analyst for Fox telecasts of NFL games.
“Earl, he’s a flash,” Lynch said when he was in town to work a Seahawks game. “Every time I put the tape on, I think I’m in fast forward. Then I realize that’s just him.
“He’s got tremendous instincts. I met with him the first week of the season and he realized there were a lot of things he needed to get better at. He’s worked hard at them. I think he’s got a very, very bright future. He’s got as much range as any safety I’ve seen. (Former Redskins safety) Sean Taylor is the last guy with that kind of range and the ability to get from centerfield to the sideline.”
Thomas could have company at the Pro Bowl in Hawaii, as five of his teammates gained alternate status in the balloting:
Alternates will be added to the squad if players selected cannot play, or choose not to play.
