JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — For weeks, Brian Thomas Jr. had his eyes on the record books, knowing he was on the verge of making history. Once it became clear that the Jacksonville Jaguars were out of playoff contention, the rookie draft pick from LSU intensified his focus on reaching those milestones. In a disappointing season for the Jaguars (3-11), his performance offered a glimpse of hope for the future.
On Sunday, Thomas had a standout game, catching 10 passes for 105 yards and scoring two touchdowns in a tight 32-25 loss against the New York Jets. His remarkable display not only propelled the team on the field but also allowed him to set two franchise records that had been untouched for over a decade. He surpassed Justin Blackmon’s rookie receiving yards record of 865 set in 2012 and broke Allen Hurns’ record for rookie touchdowns, which was six in 2014.
“Just being the best I can be,” Thomas expressed. “The goal is to contribute to the team’s success rather than just seeking personal accolades. Individual achievements come naturally when the team performs well.”
He got the scoring started for Jacksonville during their first offensive series, breaking Hurns’ record in the process and sharing the moment by handing the ball to his mother, who was watching from the stands. His second touchdown came early in the fourth quarter, a 19-yard reception to give the Jaguars a brief lead at 22-17. Unfortunately, Jacksonville’s defense couldn’t maintain that momentum, allowing Davante Adams to make two crucial plays that swung the game in favor of the Jets.
Although Adams and quarterback Aaron Rodgers shined on the Jets’ side, Thomas’s impressive statistics—including 64 receptions for 956 yards and eight touchdowns—were noteworthy. He also tied Blackmon’s rookie record for the most catches in a single season.
“Brian has had an outstanding rookie season, both in Jacksonville and throughout the NFL,” said Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson. “He’s shown tremendous potential, not to mention his hard work and humble nature. He has become a critical asset for our offense this season.”
Even amidst an otherwise challenging season, Thomas has emerged as a defining bright spot and a foundational player for the franchises’ future, which may involve changes in management or coaching staff by 2025.
“As the season has gone on, it’s clear he can take on more responsibilities,” Pederson noted. “Each week we’re giving him more to handle, and he’s consistently rising to the occasion. That’s essential for your top receiver.”
On a positive note, the Jaguars successfully executed their game plan for a change. They ended an 18-game streak without scoring a touchdown on their first drive, courtesy of a 3-yard reception by Thomas from quarterback Mac Jones. This strong start was something the Jaguars had struggled to achieve for more than a year.
However, the team’s defense struggled without generating a consistent pass rush against the Jets. Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker managed only four tackles combined and failed to pressure Rodgers significantly. The lone sack for the defense came from veteran Jeremiah Ledbetter, who celebrated with a backflip post-sack.
In other performances, second-year tight end Brenton Strange stepped up, catching 11 passes for 73 yards, marking personal bests. Strange filled in for the injured Evan Engram, showing he could be a valuable asset moving forward as the Jaguars contemplate their options for the position in 2025.
Conversely, running back Tank Bigsby struggled, recording his third fumble of the season and failing to secure a single pass thrown his way. Bigsby’s inconsistency has raised concerns, as he has fumbled five times and only caught six passes from 13 targets since being drafted in the third round.
Regarding injuries, left tackle Walker Little briefly exited the game due to an ankle issue but managed to return.
Currently, Jacksonville holds the fourth position in the 2025 NFL Draft standings, which could grant them a top-five pick for the ninth time during Shad Khan’s ownership.
Looking ahead, the Jaguars are set to face the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.