Trevor Lawrence and Brian Thomas Jr. are sharpening their chemistry as Jacksonville prioritizes explosive plays, leveraging a deep receiving corps to ignite a high-octane vertical attack.
Following the first day of OTAs for the Jacksonville Jaguars, head coach Liam Coen and starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence both hinted towards wanting to take more shots next season.
"Our average depth of target went up towards the second half of the season, but we've got to keep pushing that envelope..." Coen said following practice. "Especially with him and Brian Thomas Jr."
Thomas had an impressive rookie season, recording 87 receptions for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns, but struggled with drops and lingering injury in his second campaign.
However, his uncanny struggles have not swayed his head coach.
"I think it's the chemistry between, you know, he and BT, first and foremost," Coen said. "Working on that chemistry. It was nice to see a great start to that today live and in person. I think those two have worked at it this spring, thus far throughout phase one, phase two, and then showed up in a nice way today."
Both Coen and Lawrence emphasized the importance of getting Thomas involved and continuing to grow together.
"We've put a lot of work in all spring really, just trying to get the timing down, the chemistry, all those things, get on the same page, and it's starting to pay off," Lawrence said. "It doesn't always happen immediately. Like sometimes it takes a little time. But he's [Thomas] super committed to it and so am I. And I think us getting those extra reps is paying off."
Thomas doesn't have to do it alone however, as Jacksonville has benefited from Parker Washington's breakout and the addition of Jakobi Meyers.
Washington, who became Jags quarterback Trevor Lawrences' go-to target down the stretch last season, ended the regular season with three games of 85 yards or more, while finding the end zone twice.
In the Jaguars' playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills in January, Washington caught seven passes for 107 yards and a touchdown, leading the game in receiving.
Offensive coordinator Grant Udinski had high praise for the Penn State product on Tuesday.
"I think really, really highly of Parker... I hope Parker thinks really, really highly of himself..." Udinski said. "Because we think that he is capable of what he did at the end of the season last year and even more than that."
With this solid trio of receivers and plethora of tight ends, Lawrence has multiple playmakers at his disposal.
"We need to take more advantage of (it) in our offense, use those weapons that we have, and hit those shots down the field," Lawrence said.
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