RENTON, Wash. -- Seattle Seahawks All-Pro free safety Earl Thomas was disappointed in his effort at San Diego this past Sunday, but he said the loss has revived his desire to succeed.
"I think I definitely got my championship spirit back after that loss," Thomas said Thursday. "My crave, my hunger and my desire to be unstoppable. I didn't think I lost it, but after that game it was like, dang, something just hit me. I've been focused ever since, and it definitely feels good to be feeling like this."
Thomas was not pleased with his performance in the 30-21 loss in the sweltering heat at San Diego. He also was mad at himself for having to leave the field in the second half because of cramps from the heat. The Chargers scored on that drive to take a 27-14 lead at the time.
"I'm a warrior," Thomas said. "When stuff is breaking down, I've got to be the one to clean it up. I was hurt [mentally] when I went out because that's not me. Who knows? If I had stayed in the game, maybe we hold them to a field goal there and the game is different. I know my impact is vital out there."
Thomas also wasn't pleased with his play when he was on the field.
"It's never happened like that for me," Thomas said. "I just felt funny out there. My technique and my posture weren't aggressive. It taught me a valuable lesson to fight those negative thoughts. It's a part of my mindset that I need to turn it on."
Thomas said looking at the game tape was hard for him.
"We gave them everything," Thomas said. "We had a lot of coachable moments from that film. I got on some guys, and I took some criticism myself. Now we move on.
"We're ready to play right now. I love when we have something to prove. We're on top, and we have to protect what we have. We have to capture every moment."
Thomas said he feels as though this week is a fresh start after one of the most disappointing games of his career.
"I'm honest with myself and look at myself in the mirror," Thomas said. "I evaluate what's going on in my world. I can't tell you what was going on before, but we hadn't lost in a long time.
"I'm thinking I was on the right path, but I guess this is the [championship feeling] 2.0. I can't speak for everyone else, but believe when I'm in this mindset, I'm going to go on a tear."