Therezie makes most of shot at safety

FAST AND PHYSICAL

After a fine showing by undrafted rookie Robenson Therezie, there’s an open competition at free safety.

Therezie, who made his first start for Ricardo Allen against the Houston Texans, must continue to embody coach Dan Quinn’s fast and physical style of play.

“I thought he did really well,” defensive coordinator Richard Smith said. “We’ve always liked him athletically. His demeanor. The game is not too big for him. I was really, really happy for him.”

Smith credited Therezie with seven tackles, no mental mistakes and a legal big hit.

“He’s got speed, range and athletic ability,” Smith said. “I think he’s only going to continue to get better and better. Overall, we are really pleased with his play and demeanor. Everything about him.”

Allen, who was out with a knee injury, has returned to practice.

“It’s a great competition with him and Rico,” Quinn said. “Rico was able to move. All of those experiences when you get to play just add value to our whole team.”

Therezie made the team as an undrafted rookie out of Auburn.

“I approached it like I always approach practice,” he said. “Like a championship week. I was just preparing and I knew that my fundamentals would keep me in the game.”

Even Allen was cheering for Therezie.

“It was amazing to watch him and see how far he’s come,” Allen said. “To see him get out there and ball out like he did, it was just amazing.”