Trevor Lawrence and Brian Thomas Jr. are revitalizing Jacksonville’s vertical attack, creating an explosive chemistry that promises to unlock the entire playbook and keep opposing defenses honest.
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence and wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. are unlocking the deep passing game, an aspect of the offense coach Liam Coen has emphasized during OTAs.
Coen told reporters that the team has probably completed more deep passes during OTAs and minicamp than last off-season and season combined. More importantly, Lawrence and Thomas Jr. are rekindling a strong connection.
Thomas Jr. recorded eight drops last season, which played a significant role in his struggles last year. The former LSU product went from a 1,000-plus-yard receiver in his rookie campaign to a just over 700-yard receiver in his sophomore outing.
It was a noticeable regression, but it seems like he's returned to form in the offseason. Coen emphasized the importance of Lawrence and Thomas Jr.'s connection, unlocking the offense.
"That chemistry with those two is so important because if we can be explosive with those down the field routes, being able to push the ball down the field with those two specifically, well, man, I mean, now it truly unlocks what everybody else can do," Coen told reporters on Tuesday.
Coen said the deep passing game helps wide receivers Parker Washington and Jakobi Meyers, and tight end Brenton Strange. Lawrence completed passes for over 20 yards 57 times last season, tied for fifth-most with the Seattle Seahawks' Sam Darnold.
Improving the deep passing games also opens up the run game for Jacksonville. Lawrence said the run game was the Jaguars' bright spot at the beginning of the season before their eight-game win streak to end the year.
"It helps the run game because now it's like, okay, 'If we keep throwing over your head, now maybe you have to play more two high safeties, be able to lean coverage, and now we're able to run the football, and it helps the underneath guys,'" Coen said.
The deep passing game keeps defenses honest, which Coen and offensive coordinator Grant Udinski can exploit. Jacksonville's offense would become a true threat if the team could connect on deep passes frequently.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford led the NFL in passes for over 20 yards with 72. They ranked as the best passing team (268.2 yards per game) last season because of Stafford's ability to complete deep passes.
Jacksonville ranked 12th in passing yards per game with 222.3 yards. A consistent deep passing game could propel them into the top 10.
It is an encouraging sign that Lawrence and Thomas Jr. are connecting on deep balls, for a more efficient offense and a resurgence from the 2023 first-round pick.
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