The 2024 NFL season wasn’t great for the Jacksonville Jaguars. In fact, it was so underwhelming it prompted the franchise to do a coaching staff overhaul. Having said that, one positive came out and now that one silver lining is trying to guide rookie Travis Hunter into becoming a top weapon for Trevor Lawrence as well.
While the Jaguars couldn’t catch a break, wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. was a breath of fresh air for the team. Yes, they ended the season 4-13, but BTJ was stellar. He finished the season with 1,282 yards, 10 touchdowns, 87 receptions and a Pro Bowl appearance. It didn’t matter if it was Trevor Lawrence or Mac Jones passing the ball to him, he delivered.
After having that kind of season, ego could strike and make a player complacent, but not for Thomas. “He’s definitely not resting. He doesn’t have that… that’s not in him,” receivers coach Edgar Bennett said to The Florida Times-Union.
Regarding BTJ’s impact in Travis Hunter, Bennett stated that Thomas has “definitely taken more of a leadership approach and role, and he speaks up. And it’s not just from a verbal standpoint, he also leads by example. And so that’s another way he’s helping the entire room.” Hunter has a role model to follow.
Brian Thomas Jr. #7 of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks on during the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at EverBank Stadium on December 29, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida.
Can Brian Thomas Jr. lead the Jaguars to a good season?
The Jaguars have a lethal weapon in Thomas, but he needs help. In the end, he is a wide receiver. Quarterback play determines how much he can put into the games. While he has proven he is almost QB-proof, if Trevor Lawrence can unleash his best form, Thomas might even lead the league in receiving yards. In 2024, BTJ was third in that department only below fellow LSU products Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson.
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It’s also said that football is won in the trenches. The fact of the matter is Thomas, Hunter and company are very skilled. However, if the quarterback is running for his life instead of slinging the ball, it doesn’t matter what skill players you have, success will be far off. Unfortunately, the Jaguars’ O-line was one of the worst units last season. Even if Jacksonville brought four new men to protect T-Law and drafted another two, it’s not the best line there is.
Jacksonville has a new identity
The Jags have talent, but also flaws, as it’s been established. However, they also have a new offensive identity. With Liam Coen taking the reigns as head coach, you can expect the team to get a play-action-happy, explosive offense.
When Coen was the offensive coordinator in Tampa Bay, he made sure everybody had his share. The Bucs had the third-best passing offense last year. However, the running game was also a top-tier unit, ranking fourth-best. This means running back Travis Etienne could aso have a career-resurgence under the new regime.
