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After a disappointing ending to the 2015-16 season, Earl Thomas III and the reenergized Seattle Seahawks are on a mission return to their dominant ways.

Now that Earl is fully recovered from the shoulder injury that limited him early last year, the All-Pro is feeling better than ever going into the the start of the regular season. Seattle got off to a slow start in 2015, but No. 29 understands that last year’s hurdles are a thing of the past.

“Last year we just had so many obstacles and so many blockades, it messed us up — it messed up our rhythm. You know, with the holdouts and guys not really over the Super Bowl loss,” Thomas explained. “But this year, you can just see it: Everybody has a sense of urgency. Like I said before, the connection is there.”

Fellow key defenders Richard Sherman and Jeremy Lane are also fully healthy for the start of the campaign, opposed to the year prior where they were rehabbing injuries the majority of the summer. Kam Chancellor, who missed the first two games last season due to a holdout, will be a full-go for Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins, which will be a big boost as well.

As Earl and the Hawks get ready to roll this Sunday afternoon, his yearly goal of trying to make the team better hasn’t wavered. ETIII is always trying to productively contribute and help his teammates improve just as much as he works at perfecting his own craft.

“My personal goal, really, is just to try and make this team better in any way possible. If we’re out on the field and I see something, I act on it,” Thomas explained. “Or if I see one of my teammates not doing well to a fault, I’ve got to ring them out. I just want to add to this team as much as possible.”

After the Denver Broncos won the Super Bowl 50 title with top-notch defense, some around the league now dub them the best defensive unit in the game, but according to the Longhorn Legend, the Seahawks and the Legion of Boom never lost that title.

“I don’t think it’s something we ever lost. I just think every year you have to battle for it. It’s hard for me to say, because I’m trying to stay humble, but at the same time, we definitely have a great, great group,” No.29 said. “If you look up the numbers, the history — even the preseason — everything speaks for itself.”

ET and the L.O.B. churn out plenty of highlight-reel interceptions, forced fumbles and big hits, the work that happens off camera is what makes the Seattle secondary so great.. What Earl does on game day won’t always be shown on the broadcast camera, but the opposing offenses certainly feel every move No. 29 makes in the defensive backfield.

“When you put in the work, you put in the time, you definitely want your creativity appreciated. That’s the only resentment I have toward the public view of the game through the broadcast camera. But I’ve grown to know and understand that people are going to see greatness for what it is. It doesn’t matter if it’s hidden from the camera; it’s going to come to the forefront,” Thomas explained.

The Seahawks have a reputation for keeping things simple on defense, but No. 29 wants it to be known that it’s a lot more complex from an insider’s perspective. The aspect of their game—the minute details, the enhanced communication—has put them on the throne among NFL defenses year in and year out.

“When you’re live in it, there’s just so much involved. Especially the communication factor. It’s not a simple Cover 3 at all. The communication is what separates us from everybody else. It’s evolved a lot,” the All-Pro safety explained. “We’ve been in this system for seven years now, and you can just see the maturity in everybody’s game.”

With the start of the Seahawks’ regular season on the horizon, Earl likes what he has seen from a few specific players on the team and is confident that they will be able to contribute to the squad’s success this season. A few guys he mentioned when asked about which teammates excel in preparation and go the extra mile on a regular basis were Tyler Lockett, Tyvis Powell and Bobby Wagner.

“I would say Tyler Lockett. I would [also] say Tyvis Powell. He plays safety from Ohio State and he made the team. He’s a very smart football player. He catches on quickly. But the biggest teammate that jumps out to me as far as in that category would be Bobby Wagner, our Mike linebacker. He’s basically the quarterback of the defense,” ETIII explained. “Just to see him progress at his position is very encouraging to me because that’s a big, big, vital part of our defense.”

Earl also had high-praise for Sherman, who he explained is undoubtedly the best cornerback in the league.

“I think Richard is the best corner in the league, first of all. I think he’s a shutdown corner. He shuts down one half of the football field. It’s easy to see; just watch the tape,” Thomas said. “I wouldn’t trade Sherm for anybody.”

Thomas and the Seahawks will be taking on the Miami Dolphins on Sunday in Seattle. The Dolphins struggled last year, but still have playmakers that can’t be overlooked. Jarvis Landry, who is considered one of the best possession receivers in the game, will need to be kept in check, in addition to tight end Jordan Cameron and receivers Kenny Stills and DaVante Parker.

Miami quarterback Ryan Tannehill also has the ability to get hot at any time in what should be a high-volume passing offense. The Phins also added Arian Foster at running back, giving them an All-Pro talent next to Tannehill in the backfield. It will be imperative for the Earl and the Hawks to come out flying if they want to come away with a Week 1 victory.

The game is slated to kick off at 1:05 p.m. PST from CenturyLink Field and will be broadcasted on CBS.