Brian Thomas Jr. supercharging OROY case with head-turning outing for Jaguars

It took the Jacksonville Jaguars nearly one half to get on a roll, but they're making a great effort to beat the Green Bay Packers in Week 8. Trailing 13-10 in the third quarter, the Jags briefly got ahead on the scoreboard thanks to Trevor Lawrence and wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., who keeps strengthening his case for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

The Jags punted on their first possession in the second half but made the most out of the second one, marching 93 yards down the field on 10 plays. Thomas capped the drive with a 14-yard touchdown reception from Trevor Lawrence to make it 17-13.

It's also worth noting that Jacksonville was facing a fourth-and-1 at one point of the drive. But instead of punting, Lawrence carried the football to move the chains.

Before the game, Thomas had 30 receptions for 513 yards with four touchdowns. His latest trip to the end zone now gives him five scores for the year. Add the fact that he's averaging 17.1 yards per catch and leads all first-year receivers in yards, and he's a strong candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Lawrence is also playing much better after a slow start in Week 8. At one point, he was 3-of-6 for a measly 12 yards. In fact, three of the Jags' first five drives ended on a punt. Another came to a halt with an interception, and the last one resulted in a field goal.

Tank Bigsby is also doing what he can to help his team beat the Packers. Heading into the fourth quarter, the former Auburn Tiger has logged 63 yards on 15 carries.

On the other hand, the defense has had trouble stopping the Green Bay offense despite the fact that quarterback Jordan Love left the game. Running back Josh Jacobs, in particular, is giving Jacksonville fits. The 2019 first-round selection broke off a 38-yard run for a touchdown to put the Packers up 20-17.

Regardless of the outcome of the game, there's no doubt Thomas is a strong candidate for OROY honors.

Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. faces steep competition for OROY but has a case

Quarterbacks Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels currently have the best odds to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2024 at +105, and -104 respectively. Malik Nabers should also be on the race. That said, Brian Thomas Jr. should feel good about his chances.

Thomas is leading the Jacksonville Jaguars in receptions, catches and touchdown receptions. In fact, he's on pace to become the first Jaguars rookie receiver to ever cross the 1,000-yard mark.

This could turn out to be a tight race, and Thomas will need to keep making plays. Then again, he's part of the conversation precisely because he came through against the Green Bay Packers.

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