The Jacksonville Jaguars need to get Brenton Strange the ball more often. He has great hands and is good in making catches through contact.
The first loss of the season for the Jacksonville Jaguars was a sluggish offensive showing.
Starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence failed to throw a touchdown for the first time since Week 17 of last season, with second-year tailback Bhayshul Tuten representing the lone score.
But, the Jaguars' passing attack still projects to be dangerous the rest of the season, with Parker Washington continuing his breakout and players like Brenton Strange and Brian Thomas Jr. serving as deep threats.
Strange recorded just two catches for 17 yards on Sunday, but made franchise history in the process, moving into fifth place on Jacksonville's tight end receiving list.
With 1,026 career receiving yards, Strange trails Pete Mitchell, Evan Engram, Kyle Brady, and Marcedes Lewis.
Lewis still comfortably leads the list, with his 4,202 yards with the franchise standing alone.
Last season was Strange's best as a pro, taking advantage of his role as a full-time starter for the first time.
Strange posted career highs in receptions (46) , receiving yards (540) and touchdowns (three). He did so despite playing just 12 games, a career-low.
After being placed on injured reserve with a hip injury following Week 5, Strange finished out the back half of the season, helping Jacksonville to an 8-0 finish.
"Obviously, I had the injury, which kind of slowed me down a little bit, but I'm just excited to just keep putting my best foot forward every single day and working hard and becoming the best version of myself," Strange said back in April.
Following his strong season, the former Penn State Nittany Lion was rewarded with a 3-year deal worth $36 million.
The former No. 61 overall pick will play out the final year of his rookie contract this year, with the pay raise kicking in next offseason.
Being utilized as a redzone target is Strange's biggest skill, as he displayed in Week 1's blowout victory over the Cleveland Browns.
With Jacksonville already leading 17-0, Lawrence and the offense continued to pour it on, with Strange capitalizing from 14 yards out.
Heading into a bounce-back opportunity against the New England Patriots on Sunday, getting the ball to Strange will likely be a focal point after limited targets in the Jaguars' loss.
Last week, the Pittsburgh Steelers' dismal offense was able to generate some success with their tight ends, with Aaron Rodgers completing five passes to his big weapons.
Jacksonville hosts New England at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday.
