Brian Thomas Jr. secures spot in Jaguars history with strong outing vs. Jets

There were several plotlines surrounding the Jacksonville Jaguars ahead of Week 15. One that probably flew under the radar is that wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. was close to breaking a couple of team records. It didn't take them long for the rookie sensation to get it done.

On the Jags' first possession of the game, Thomas Jr. hauled in four receptions for 18 yards with one touchdown. That was enough to break the franchise records for receiving yards in a season by a rookie and receiving touchdowns by a rookie, held by Justin Blackmon and Allen Hurns, respectively. That he pulled it off on the same drive makes it even more notable.

All things considered, it wasn't particularly surprising to see Thomas set a couple of records based on how impressive he's been dating back to offseason workouts. Back in the preseason, the former LSU Tiger made at least one jaw-dropping play every game. Then the regular season came, and his playmaking prowess carried on.

Although Thomas slowed down a bit at the midpoint of the season, he's once again picked up the pace and should have no trouble becoming the first rookie receiver in Jaguars history to register 1,000 receiving yards or more.

Heading into the game, Thomas had 54 receptions for 851 yards with six touchdowns. Maybe if the Jags had a better record, the Louisiana native would be a strong candidate for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award but is currently a long shot. In fact, quarterbacks Bo Nix (Denver Broncos) and Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders) are the favorites to get the nod.

The Jaguars have a franchise building block in Brian Thomas Jr.

The Jacksonville Jaguars had trouble moving the ball and scoring points this season even when Trevor Lawrence was at the helm. But even with Mac Jones behind center, Brian Thomas Jr. has been a constant on offense. Looking back, the team's brass hit it out of the ballpark when they drafted him 23rd overall earlier this year.

You can criticize Trent Baalke for the many mistakes he's made as the general manager, but he deserves praise for identifying Thomas as a game-changer. Ahead of the draft, there was chatter about the Jaguars potentially trading into the top 10 to either take Rome Odunze or Malik Nabers. But instead of moving up and giving up draft picks to make it happen, Jacksonville instead moved down six spots in exchange for three extra selections (two fourths, and one third).

Leaving aside the extra picks, Baalke thought the Jaguars were better off staying put and getting Thomas. He was right, and the team is reaping the rewards of the decision. If he keeps playing at a high level, he will continue to work his way up in the team's records book.

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