After an electrifying rookie campaign, Brian Thomas Jr. was expected to take his game to the next level in 2025. However, a slow start to the season eventually led to chatter about a potential sophomore slump. To make matters worse, the former LSU Tiger suffered an ankle sprain that forced him to miss a few games. The good news is that it looks like the time off helped him put it all together, as he's gone on to once again be a playmaker for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Although Thomas had a modest output in this first game back from injury, he's hauled in a combined 13 passes for 153 yards with one touchdown the past two weeks. At the same time, he's given the Jacksonville offense a much-needed element of verticality. And following the win over the New York Jets, Liam Coen highlighted the reason behind the second-year receiver's recent surge.
Liam Coen credits Brian Thomas Jr. for making the most out of his reps
One day after the win over New York, Liam Coen met with the local media. He cited constant practice and hard work throughout the season as the reason Brian Thomas Jr. has played better in recent weeks. Here's the skinny.
"Cohesiveness, chemistry with the quarterback, being able to get a lot of reps of it, probably more reps throughout the season, of being able to push the ball down the field than even through training camp, in a lot of ways," Coen told reporters when asked about Thomas' turnaround (1:05 mark). "A little bit more time on task, and guys having some confidence to go out and execute those plays."
Coen continued, "And so it's been a huge addition to be able to continue to push the ball down the field and attack every blade of grass, and when the defense feels that, it typically will help a lot of other things within the offense."
The past four weeks, Trevor Lawrence has averaged 8.9 yards per attempt, nearly two more yards than his season average of 7.0. Having Thomas back in the fold has definitely been huge. The fact that he's lined up in the boundaries more often with fellow receiver operating in the middle has also helped.
As Pro Football Focus pointed out, No. 16 was lights out in attempts of 10 yards or more against the Jets, going 11-of-15 for 216 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions. Similarly, his completion rate in long passes from Week 10 to Week 14 was 45.5 percent. Simply put, he's completing deep shots.
Brian Thomas Jr. is once again making plays for the Jaguars
As impressive as Trevor Lawrence has been since the BYE, Brian Thomas Jr.'s resurgence cannot be overlooked. Early in the season, he struggled with drops. That's no longer been an issue since his return from the ankle injury.
The coaching staff also deserves credit for recognizing that Thomas is at his best when he operates in the perimeter rather than the middle of the field. Then again, the 2024 first-round pick can play in run deep routes because Jacksonville traded for Jakobi Meyers before the deadline.
If Brian Thomas Jr. keeps playing the way he has in recent weeks, he'll make everyone forget about his slow start to the season. Heck, that talk about the sophomore slump already appears to be in the rearview mirror.