Count Terrell Thomas as another Giants player who sees the Seahawks as a bona fide Super Bowl favorite and figures knocking them off would go a long way in telling Big Blue how good they might have been.
“This is a great gauge for us,’’ Thomas said Thursday after practice. “Coach [Tom] Coughlin did a great job of motivating us this week and that’s our mind-set going in, that our season might be over, but we’re going to go out there and fight and give them everything we have and if we do beat them it’s a great gauge for what could have been.’’
Justin Tuck, earlier in the week, sounded the alarm the Seahawks are a talented team that can and will take delight in embarrassing an opponent. Thomas wants no part of that Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
“I think we got embarrassed enough this season,’’ Thomas said. “It’s time for us to come out here and play.’’
Running back Brandon Jacobs underwent an extensive surgery Wednesday on his left knee. He had cartilage grafting to repair osteoarthritis in the joint. It is almost definitely a career-ending procedure for the 31-year-old.
Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul did not practice again and won’t play this weekend, but he said his injured right shoulder needs rest, not surgery following the season. It is likely he will not make it back for any of the last three games, but he is determined to play again if at all possible.
“I’m never going to shut it down,’’ JPP said. “If I can go, I’m going to go. If I still can be able to help my team win football games at this point, that’s what I’m going to do.”
The Seahawks might have the best secondary in the league. They are so physical that they mostly play man coverage and dare opposing receivers to beat them.
“Some of the things they do should give us some chances,’’ Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride said. “Our guys are always clamoring for one-on-one opportunities, you’re going to get more than your fair share. You have to fight your way through the holds and continue to battle. Usually with wideouts, it not as much as a physical contest as it’s going to be on Sunday because it’s the way they play.’’
Defensive coordinator Perry Fewell said the starting left cornerback job is Trumaine McBride’s to lose even though Jayron Holsey replaced McBride in the second half against the Chargers. Fewell did not say who will start against the Seahawks, but that both McBride and Hosley will play.
Defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins (shin/quad) returned to practice, as did Thomas (knee). Cornerback Corey Webster (ankle) did not practice after going on a limited basis Wednesday, meaning he’s going the wrong way and on pace to miss his sixth straight game.