Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) catches a pass during an NFL training camp session at the Miller Electric Center, Monday, Aug. 11, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Why Brian Thomas’ Mistakes May Take Time to Rectify

Originally posted on Jacksonville Jaguars on SI
By Jared Feinberg | Last updated Sep 16, 2025 11:00 AM ET

There is a problem with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

No, it's not a team-wide issue; this is a well-rounded team with a new coaching staff, new systems, and plenty of new faces on both sides of the ball. However, there is a significant issue that has formed between the team's star quarterback and wide receiver, Trevor Lawrence and Brian Thomas Jr.

The Jaguars lost a close game on the road to the Cincinnati Bengals, 31-27, a game they should've won, but costly mistakes on either side of the ball led to an underwhelming result despite plenty of good to come out of it. The mistakes, especially from Thomas, may not be correctable anytime soon.

Lawrence and Thomas can't connect in the early going

Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

This is supposed to be the highlight reel connection and the engine to Jacksonville's offense. Lawrence and Thomas are two of the top players on this offense, one that has shown vast improvements in play design, explosive plays, and more. Yet, this tandem is not hitting early in the season, an issue that can be linked back to the early and dog-day portions of training camp.

While the Jaguars' offense has been able to get big plays from other playmakers, including Parker Washington, Bhayshul Tuten, and Travis Etienne, the top pass-catcher and explosive weapon of the offense is struggling with drops, inconsistencies, and mental mistakes.

This article first appeared on Jacksonville Jaguars on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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