The Jacksonville Jaguars have no shortage of weapons on the outside of their offense, but Brian Thomas Jr. is yet to get back to his rookie-year form. Will Week 4 against the Cincinnati Bengals' secondary be his breakout performance?
The Jacksonville Jaguars' offense has been consistently productive, despite a quiet start from third-year wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.
Thomas burst onto the scene as a rookie, but his production has lessened since his hot start, with the former LSU standout recording just seven catches for 88 yards through the early 2026-2027 season.
In Jacksonville's 35-6 romp over the New England Patriots on Sunday, Thomas played just 23 offensive snaps, recording a career-low one target.
He was dealing with a lingering injury, which could have led to a lower workload, but getting Thomas going will be crucial for the Jaguars' vertical passing attack going forward.
Luckily, head coach Liam Coen said that Thomas had a very strong bounce-back practice on Thursday, while doubling down on the importance of hm being involved.
"I thought he has responded in a great way and continues to do so. We're going to need him," Coen said.
Throughout the offseason, Thomas and starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence showed an increased level of continuity and connection, hooking up on multiple long receptions.
Back in late-August, Coen talked about the different type of threat and skillset Thomas adds to the receiving corps.
"When he’s playing at a high level, our offense is just different," Coen said.
He went on to say that Thomas' ability to stretch the field vertically provides another element to the team's offensive attack, saying he forces defenses to send double teams and shade him over the top.
Through the opening three weeks, Lawrence is yet to complete a game-breaking pass to Thomas, but he has come down with multiple 15+ yard grabs.
Despite the slow start to the season, Thomas has not lost the faith of his front office, coaching staff, or teammates, with fellow wideout Jakobi Meyers endorsing him on Thursday.
"He'll be good man, he can hoop and when you have talent like that it will always work out," Meyers said.
Meyers, who the Jaguars acquired midway through last season via trade, was Lawrence's top target against New England, hauling in seven catches for 64 yards and a touchdown.
With Meyers and Parker Washington producing at a high rate, Jacksonville has enough offensive firepower to stay afloat through Thomas' quiet start, but he remains a big piece of the franchise's picture.
Heading into a big-time matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, the Jaguars may be in for a shootout, as Joe Burrow and the Bengals' offense has also been playing at a high rate.
Cincinnati's secondary has been susceptible to giving up the big play as of late, surrendering five receptions of 22 yards or more to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3.
Last season, the Bengals beat the Jaguars 31-27, with Thomas recording four catches for 49 yards.
A high-scoring affair could be in the cards, leading to Thomas getting some opportunities to attack downfield and get rolling in his third NFL season.
