Jaguars coach Coen reaffirms confidence in WR Thomas, dismisses trade rumors

The Jacksonville Jaguars are reaffirming their commitment to wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. despite recent struggles, as they prepare for an upcoming matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.

Why it matters: The Jaguars confidence in Thomas is pivotal, especially as they navigate a season marked by inconsistent offensive performance.

  • As the team’s leading receiver with 365 yards this season, maintaining his morale and production is essential for Jacksonville's playoff aspirations.
  • With Travis Hunter also emerging as a key target, the Jaguars must balance their passing attack effectively.

What’s new: Head Coach Liam Coen has publicly stated that there are no plans to trade Thomas, which signals the team’s long-term investment in his potential.

  • “We have no plans to move Brian Thomas. I've got a lot of confidence in him,” Coen remarked, emphasizing his belief in Thomas's abilities.

Yes, but: While Thomas excels in certain areas, he has faced challenges this season, particularly with dropped passes.

  • He is currently tied for second in the NFL with five drops, indicating an area that requires improvement if he hopes to replicate last season's success when he recorded 1,282 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.

What to watch: The Jaguars offensive strategy seems to be evolving, with a shift towards increasing plays designed for Hunter as the primary target.

  • Coen mentioned, "When I was hired in January, I said the pass offense would run through Thomas, but prior to the Jaguars' Week 7 game against the Los Angeles Rams, I said I needed to call more plays where Hunter was the No. 1 target."

By the numbers: Last season, Thomas ranked third in the league in receiving yards, showcasing his capability as a top-tier wideout.

  • His impressive stats highlight his potential impact on games, underscoring the importance of leveraging his skill set effectively moving forward.

The bottom line: As the Jaguars gear up for their matchup against the Rams, optimizing Thomas's role alongside Hunter could be crucial in enhancing their offensive output.

  • The coaching staff's decision to keep Thomas in the fold suggests they believe in his capacity to rebound from early-season struggles and contribute significantly as the season progresses.
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