Tag: Brian Thomas Jr.

All-22 review: Young Jaguars shine in back-and-forth loss to Jets

All-22 review: Young Jaguars shine in back-and-forth loss to Jets

The Jacksonville Jaguars sit at 3-11 on the season following their back-and-forth, 32-25 loss to the New York Jets. The 2024 season has been one of the most disappointing in franchise history and the blows continued on Sunday.

However, one of the upsides of having one of the worst records in the NFL is the opportunity to utilize and evaluate the young talent on the roster. Against New York, a handful of Jacksonville’s rookies and second-year players stood out.

Jaguars Wire takes a closer look at the All-22 from Sunday’s loss to examine the potential future pieces of the roster.

WR Brian Thomas Jr.’s historic rookie season

Should Trent Baalke hold onto his job as Jacksonville’s general manager this offseason, his first-round selection of the former LSU All-American may very well be the biggest reason why.

Against the Jets, Brian Thomas Jr. caught 10 passes for 105 yards and two touchdowns, breaking the franchise rookie record for receiving touchdowns and yards while tying its rookie record for receptions in a season, putting his season total at 64 catches for 956 yards and eight touchdowns.

Thomas has become more than just a vertical threat in the passing game. He has transcended into a true No. 1 target in the passing game with plenty of room to continue growing in the years to come.

One of the reasons why Thomas has begun to receive a high volume of targets is because of his smooth, yet sudden short-area bursts and quickness at the line of scrimmage.

Take his first touchdown for example. He does a great job setting up the man defender to get his feet stuck in the grass. This allows Thomas to break quickly inside and use his explosiveness out of the break to separate.

Here’s another example of Thomas winning at the line of scrimmage. He displays a textbook split release and forces the corner to be choppy in his footwork. The separation out of the break allows Thomas to catch and run away from the defender for his second touchdown of the day.

Thomas was not asked to sit and find green grass in LSU’s offense last season, raising concerns about his ability to succeed in this area. This is an example of how just because you couldn’t do it in college, doesn’t mean you can’t do it.

This was one of the most explosive plays from the Jaguars’ offensive explosion against the Jets. Thomas does a great job of exploding out of his stance and then quickly decelerating in green grass to sit and make his number available for the quarterback. After the catch, he splits defenders and takes off for a 41-yard pickup.

Thomas must continue to improve his overall play strength to better win at the line of scrimmage against physical press-man cornerbacks. There were a couple of reps against the Jets where All-Pro defender Sauce Garnder used his physicality to disrupt the timing and tempo of Thomas’ route.

If he can add more to his frame and be more assertive against physical corners, Thomas will have taken the next step to being one of the best playmakers in the NFL. Jaguars fans will be in for a treat regardless for years to come.

Rookie CB Jarrian Jones thriving in the nickel

A nice development for Jacksonville’s defense is the emergence of rookie defender Jarrian Jones, who was a standout cornerback at Florida State just down I-10.

Jones has flashed many qualities as a nickelback and may have emerged as the team’s future at this spot. He showed impressive recovery skills and awareness in man coverage, positioning himself to make plays on the ball or disrupt the timing of the catch with physicality against opposing receivers.

Below are two quality reps in coverage against Allen Lazard and All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams.

TE Brenton Strange

With versatile tight end Evan Engram out for the rest of the season with a torn labrum, the Jaguars can see what they have in second-year tight end Brenton Strange.

Strange took over Evan Engram’s role as the F-move TE where, paired with his traditional duties in-line and as a receiver, he motioned to fullback on occasion to disguise 21 and 12 personnel looks.

Strange is an above-average athlete who was used on screens to create after the catch and shows good quickness out of breaks. He is also a reliable and tough hands catcher who caught 11 passes for 73 yards against the Jets.

Could record-setting showing earn Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. ROTW?

Could record-setting showing earn Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. ROTW?

Could a franchise-record-setting performance finally earn Brian Thomas Jr. the NFL’s Rookie of the Week honor?

On Tuesday, Thomas was placed under consideration for the award for the sixth time this season, nominated for his 10-reception, 105-yard, two-touchdown showing in the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 32-25 loss to the New York Jets in Week 15.

Thomas established new Jaguars rookie season receiving records against the Jets, surpassing Justin Blackmon’s 865-yard mark from 2012 and Allen Hurns’ six touchdowns from 2014. Thomas is one reception short of tying Blackmon’s 65-catch rookie record entering Week 16.

Through 14 games, Thomas has caught 64 passes for 956 yards and eight touchdowns.

Thomas previously went up for Rookie of the Week in Weeks 1, 4, 5, 7 and 14. He combined to catch 38 passes for 535 yards and six touchdowns in those games, against the Miami Dolphins, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans and Jets.

“As the season progressed, you can see that he can handle more information. He can handle more responsibility. And each week we keep finding ways to load him up and he answers,” Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson described Thomas on Sunday. “That’s what you want from your top receiver.

“He’s just been such a bright spot. He’s been a workhorse offensively. There’s a lot of people we depend on and count on, but for a young player, he’s someone that you can dial the ball up and chances are he’s going to find a completion. Just been thoroughly impressed with Brian as the season’s gone on.”

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker, New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers and Green Bay Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper were also nominated for Week 15.

Fans can vote for NFL Rookie of the Week here.

Thomas, Adams combine for four TDs in Jaguars’ 32-25 loss to Jets

Thomas, Adams combine for four TDs in Jaguars’ 32-25 loss to Jets

A record-setting performance by Jaguars rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. was overshadowed by one of the best showings of Jets wide receiver Davante Adams’ career on Sunday.

Despite Thomas establishing new Jaguars rookie receiving records for yards and touchdowns in the first quarter and building upon those marks throughout the contest, a nine-reception, 198-yard, two-touchdown second half by Adams lifted New York (4-10) to a 32-25 victory over Jacksonville (3-11) in Week 15.

Thomas finished with 105 yards and two touchdowns over 10 receptions, the latter two stats being single-game bests for Jacksonville’s rookie sensation. He now has 64 catches for 956 yards and eight touchdowns on the year.

But after being held without a catch in the first half, Adams exploded by hauling in all but one of his 10 second-half targets, with at least two grabs on each of the Jets’ scoring drives.

Among those catches were a one-yard touchdown reception that gave New York its first lead of the game, 17-16 in the third quarter, and a 71-yard score to make it 25-22 in the fourth quarter. Adams also converted a two-point try after his second touchdown.

Adams’ 198 yards were the second-most he has recorded in a game in his 11-season NFL career.

A fourth-quarter, 43-yard field goal by Jacksonville rookie kicker Cam Little created a 25-25 tie with 1:56 left in regulation.

It was more than enough time for Adams, New York quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the Jets’ offense to march down the field and retake the lead. The quarterback-receiver tandem connected twice for 64 yards over the seven-play series, setting up a one-yard, go-ahead rushing touchdown by running back Breece Hall.

Jacksonville got the ball back with 1:05 on the clock but could not find similar success to New York offensively.

Over five plays beginning 70 yards away from the goal line, Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones completed three passes for 23 yards, tossed a deep incompletion, and was ultimately intercepted by Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner on his final throw of the game, a deep pass to Jacksonville wide receiver Parker Washington.

The pick muddied what was quarterback Mac Jones’ best performance in place of injured starter Trevor Lawrence this season. Jones completed 31-of-47 passes for 294 yards, the seventh-most in a game in his career, with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

The Jaguars will travel to Las Vegas to face the Raiders in Week 16, at 4:25 p.m. ET next Sunday.

Brian Thomas Jr. sets multiple Jaguars rookie receiving records

Brian Thomas Jr. sets multiple Jaguars rookie receiving records

Brian Thomas Jr. set new all-time rookie receiving yard and touchdown records for the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first quarter against the New York Jets on Sunday.

Thomas surpassed Justin Blackmon’s 2012 record of 865 yards on a four-yard reception on the game’s first drive.

He ended the series with a three-yard touchdown catch to take sole possession of Jacksonville’s rookie receiving touchdown record, after tying the six Allen Hurns produced in 2014 against the Houston Texans in Week 13.

Thomas had 869 yards and seven touchdowns on the season, with more than three games left, and four catches for 18 yards and the score against the Jets at press time.

Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson expressed Monday that while Thomas has shined throughout his first NFL season, he believes the rookie still has room to develop into one of the league’s best pass-catchers.

“I think he still is learning the game, learning different techniques by corners, [defensive backs], the leverage, just understanding his triangle of coverage,” Pederson said. “It’s corner, safety and next inside defender, and just learning how to run off of that and run routes that way, and then just use his ability with his speed.

“So, I think there’s still a lot that he can continue to improve. As good as he is right now, that’s exciting that he can continue to get better and potentially be one of the top receivers in this league.”

Jaguars vs. Jets: Key matchups

Jaguars vs. Jets: Key matchups

The Jacksonville Jaguars head into Week 15 coming off a refreshing victory at Tennessee last Sunday. It’s only the team’s third win of what has otherwise been a tumultuous losing season.

This weekend provides a favorable opportunity to add another mark to the win column, although the team’s draft positioning may once again falter. The Jaguars host the New York Jets in 2024’s first matchup between teams mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.

Jaguars Wire takes a closer look at the key matchups in Jacksonville’s next-to-last home game of the season.

Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. vs. Jets CB Sauce Gardner

It’s becoming clearer that the Jaguars rookie sensation is already one of the best players on the roster. He was a key reason for the team’s success in Nashville last weekend with eight catches on 12 targets for 86 yards, putting his season total at 54 grabs for 851 yards and six touchdown receptions.

This weekend, Thomas will go one-on-one against one of the best cornerbacks in football, Sauce Gardner.

The Jets have not had the season they were hoping for and are a mess of a franchise at the moment. However, the two-time All-Pro Gardner remains a bright spot, and winning against him in coverage is no easy feat.

That said, Gardner has had some struggles this season, especially on deeper crossing patterns, which could favor Thomas in space and offer run-after-catch opportunities against man coverage.

If Thomas has yet another productive day against Gardner and the Jets secondary, Jacksonville has a chance at winning two games in a row.

Jaguars LT Walker Little vs. Jets pass rushers

There’s a reason the Jaguars extended Walker Little to a three-year, $40.5 million contract. His play since becoming the team’s starting left tackle hasn’t been perfect but has been trending upward in recent weeks, especially in pass protection.

According to Next Gen Stats, Little’s quarterback pressure rate is the fourth-lowest among starting left tackles with at least 150 snaps.

Little faces a daunting task this weekend, however. His likely opponent on most snaps, Jets defensive end Will McDonald IV, has 10 sacks and 52 quarterback pressures on the season.

The Jets are like the Jaguars defensively as they have more trust in their four-down linemen to generate pressure by moving them around the line, rather than pulling out all the stops like some teams.

Little will need to be prepared for whoever New York will throw his way. Don’t forget about Haason Reddick, Michael Clemons and, occasionally, Quinnen Williams.

Jaguars RB Tank Bigsby vs. Jets run defense

Bigsby has established himself as Jacksonville’s running back of the future while putting the team in a tough position with his fellow running mate Travis Etienne Jr. While that is not the topic of this section, how Bigsby can beat New York’s run defense is.

The Jets rank No. 16 in the NFL in rushing yards allowed (119.9) and run stuff percentage (17.1%), and have allowed the 11th-most expected points added (EPA) rushing.

This could be another week where Bigsby sees another 20-plus touch game. The key to turning usage into production is trusting the blocks of interior linemen, center Mitch Morse and guards Brandon Scherff and Ezra Cleveland.

Bigsby is one of the league’s better space-creators and the Jets have allowed the ninth-most yards after contact per attempt (3.14) in the NFL. Bigsby’s 4.9 yards per attempt on inside-designed runs are the seventh-most in the NFL this season, according to Next Gen Stats.

While running backs may not matter to some, Bigsby will play a key part in Jacksonville’s chances at victory this weekend. Bringing him down won’t be an easy feat for New York.

Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. earns fifth NFL ROTW nomination

Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. earns fifth NFL ROTW nomination

Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. was nominated for the NFL’s Rookie of the Week award for his eight-catch, 86-yard showing in Jacksonville’s 10-6 victory over the Tennessee Titans in Week 14, the league announced Tuesday.

Thomas previously got looks for the honor in Weeks 1, 4, 5 and 7. He combined to post 20 receptions for 344 yards and four touchdowns in that stretch, against the Miami Dolphins, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots.

Jacksonville’s No. 23 overall selection in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft, Thomas has logged 54 receptions for 851 yards and six touchdowns this season. His 15.8 yards per reception rank No. 10 among qualifying NFL pass-catchers through Week 14.

Thomas is 11 receptions and 15 yards away from breaking the Jaguars’ rookie receiving records, 64 receptions and 865 yards, set by Justin Blackmon in 2012. His six touchdowns are tied with Allen Hurns’ 2014 team record.

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, San Francisco running back Isaac Guerendo, New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan and Seattle Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight were nominated alongside Thomas for Week 14’s Rookie of the Week honor.

Fans can vote for NFL Rookie of the Week here.

Everything Doug Pederson said after Jaguars’ 10-6 win over Titans

Everything Doug Pederson said after Jaguars’ 10-6 win over Titans

Disappointing as the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2024 season has been, they returned to .500 in the AFC South on Sunday, beating the Tennessee Titans 10-6 for their second divisional win and third overall victory of the year.

Find everything Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said in his post-game press conference below.

On what it means for the Jaguars to get a win in Nashville and close the game strong with a 10-0 run:

DOUG PEDERSON: “It feels great to get back in the win column. It’s been a while. Hats off to the players. They battled their tails off. Defense fought all day and kept us in the football game. Came up big with some PBUs and obviously there at the end. Offense, we got a slow start, but we gained momentum as the game went on. Proud of the guys for 10 points in the fourth quarter and for finishing the game that way. Hats off to those guys. They battled their tails off. You can see all of my excitement right here.”

On the reaction in the Jaguars’ locker room:

DOUG PEDERSON: “It’s excited, sort of a relief. It’s the excitement, it’s the joy of the work that you put in and you’re finally rewarded for a win. Again, just so happy for the players, the coaches, just hanging in there battling their tails off. Tennessee, that’s a good football team too. They do some really good things. I’m just excited and happy for our guys.”

On Jacksonville’s defense keeping the team in the game and CB Jarrian Jones posting two breakups and a sack:

DOUG PEDERSON: “I thought in Jarrian’s case, just played really well down the stretch here in this game and you talked about the couple of pass breakups and that sack was a thing of beauty, how he can bend and get around that edge and get [Titans QB] Will Levis on the ground. I thought he did a really good job, and he just continues to get better each week. He works extremely hard. So, a lot of good things about Jarrian.”

On how the Jaguars got WR Brian Thomas Jr. going in the third quarter:

DOUG PEDERSON: “We tried earlier in the game to do some things that way. Tennessee took a couple of those options away and we didn’t get into a rhythm. But it’s what we got to do, right? We got to get Brian involved. And he’s such a dynamic young, first-year receiver that is a great player. He’s going to be going to be a really good player in this league. And for he and [Jaguars QB] Mac [Jones] to make that play, it’s kind of broken-play scramble that really got us down there. And I think that is where we scored the touchdown on that drive. Just a great awareness by those two. But B.T. is just a solid player that continues to improve each week.”

On what Pederson saw from QB Mac Jones:

DOUG PEDERSON: “That’s one thing about Mac he just sticks to it. He grinds it out. He’s right there with all the guys. The way he led our team. And really, there was no panic, right? Nobody pointing the finger or anything. It’s we just had to tighten some things up and make a few subtle adjustments for him to lead us down there and get those 10 points, I thought. And then we had an opportunity before the half, in the two-minute drive before half, we’re in a position. We just really, we had a penalty, a sack there, knocked us out of field goal range. He did some good things today and things that we can continue to build on.”

On how impressive DE Travon Walker’s tackle on Jacksonville’s first goal-line stand:

DOUG PEDERSON: “That’s Travon Walker. I thought today guys like Travon, Jarrian, Mac, you guys were talking about B.T., [Jaguars RB] Tank [Bigsby], I mean all these guys, every one of them, it’s just the consistency and just continuing to do their job. And that’s what we’ve asked them to do and on that particular play, Travon just did an outstanding job just making a play. And obviously the fourth-and-goal late in the game, to come up empty there, hats off to the defense for just the execution.”

On how QB Mac Jones must feel getting his first win for his hometown team:

DOUG PEDERSON: “I think you have to ask him, but I know he’s going to be excited. I’m excited for him to really lead our football team. And now he knows, too, moving forward that he’s going to be out there, he’s going to be the guy. The second half of last week to this week, just some things that we can continue to build, and he can build upon but excited for him obviously getting that first win.”

On why Jaguars OL Anton Harrison was inactive today:

DOUG PEDERSON: “Illness. A little bit last night and then all day this morning when he woke up. I mean, sick, illness.”

On how Jacksonville OL Cole Van Lanen played in Harrison’s place:

DOUG PEDERSON: “I thought for someone who woke up thinking he was going to be a backup to starting, I thought he played really well today. We’ll take a look at the tape, obviously make some corrections. But I thought he played physical, he played good for being a backup to a starter within a matter of hours.”

On if Pederson wondered how the Jaguars would respond to losing so many starters:

DOUG PEDERSON: “You’re always wondering how they’re going to respond, but look, I’ve been around these guys all season and sure nobody knows the outcome of the game, right, until you play the game. But I know how these guys prepare during the week, and I know how they work during the week so that’s what gives you the hope that, ‘Hey, we’re going to go out and we’re going to get the job done, right? And we’re going to we’re going to play well to do it, whatever it takes.’ When you’re playing Tennessee, it’s never an easy game. I mean, it’s a game that’s always tough. It’s physical. It’s a battle. And I’m just so happy for the players and for the work that they’ve put into to finally get rewarded.”

Jaguars vs. Texans: Key matchups

Jaguars vs. Texans: Key matchups

The Jacksonville Jaguars are coming off their bye week, ideally refreshed and refocused for their final stretch of the 2024 season as they host Houston this weekend.

This will be a crucial six-game marathon for the Jaguars as the future around the coaching staff and front office hangs in the balance following a lowly 2-9. On a positive note, franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence appears closer to returning to play this week after missing two games with an injury to his non-throwing shoulder.

While Jacksonville almost certainly won’t make the postseason, it could begin to cause some panic among Houston fans with an upset.

Jaguars Wire takes a closer look at some of the key matchups for this weekend.

Jacksonville WR Brian Thomas Jr. vs. Houston CB Derek Stingley Jr.

This one-on-one battle represents two gifted athletes who will be among the best players at their respective positions for years to come. Stingley has been playing at a high level this season and is one of Houston’s best defenders while Thomas has emerged as one of the better young wide receivers in the league and one of the faces of Jacksonville’s future.

It can’t be emphasized enough how crucial of a matchup this is. Thomas has played well the last several weeks and emerged as the Jaguars’ top playmaker this year. With Lawrence potentially back under center, the team’s first-round selection this year could see his target share increase.

Stingley is one of the best man-cover corners in the game. He uses his size, technique, and pure athleticism to shut down any receiver who lines up against him. Thomas offers the skill set to beat man defenders at will with the incredible fluidity, short-area quickness and ultra-explosiveness that has made him a three-level threat.

If Thomas wins this battle, Jacksonville will be one step closer to pulling off an upset.

Jaguars’ offensive line vs. Texans’ defensive line

For as bad as things have been for the Jaguars this season, their offensive line remains steady, especially in the interior. The team has allowed the sixth-lowest pressure rate in the NFL (28.7%) and will take on a Texans’ defense that ranks third in pressure rate (40.3%).

Winning in the trenches has been an up-and-down battle for Jacksonville all season and Sunday features a chance to win there on both sides of the ball. According to Next Gen Stats, Jaguars guards Exra Cleveland and Brandon Scherff and center Mitch Morse have all allowed pressure on under five percent of their pass-blocking snaps. 

The edges are where it gets tricky as tackles Walker Little and Anton Harrison will be going up against Texans defensive ends Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr., one of the best pass-rushing duos in the league. Jacksonville will need its young tackles to have quality starts to slow down Houston’s pass rushers.

This is not a favorable matchup for the Jaguars. It could be if Harrison and Little can stay consistent in their pass-blocking sets and generate momentum in the run game on the edges, which will be key in taking on the No. 5 defense in yards allowed. 

Houston RB Joe Mixon vs. Jacksonville run defense

One of the stories of the Jaguars this season has been their putrid defensive play in almost all facets, especially against the run where they have allowed the seventh-most rushing yards in the NFL (135.5).

However, interestingly enough, they have defended the run well on outside-designed runs. Jacksonville has allowed the second-fewest rushing yards over expected (-65) and the seventh-lowest success rate (34.0%) on those specific play calls, according to Next Gen Stats.

Defensive ends Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker have been big reasons for Jacksonville’s success against outside runs. Walker is third on the team in run stops (35) and Hines-Allen has 23 on the season. Their power at the point of attack and discipline against the run has been very notable this year. 

This week, they’ll take on Mixon, who has run nine of his touchdowns to the outside and has the fifth-most RYOE (+116) in that area in the NFL. Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik tends to use the outside zone to work away from the tackle box and stress defenders on the edges.

Setting the edge will be key for the Jaguars, especially against Mixon. Walker and Hines-Allen must do their job to squeeze their respective gaps and become force defenders to bottle Mixon inside.

If the Jaguars can limit Mixon’s ability to stretch the edge, Jacksonville will have a chance to pull off a nice victory on Thanksgiving weekend. 

Key Matchups: Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Detroit Lions

Key Matchups: Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Detroit Lions

The Jacksonville Jaguars hope to pull off a significant upset as they travel north to take on the Detroit Lions in a matchup with plenty of disadvantages.

Jacksonville enters Week 11 with the projected No. 1 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, according to Tankathon. The Jaguars are 2-8 and coming off a defensive slugfest of a loss against Minnesota without franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who is out again this week with an injury to his non-throwing shoulder.

Head coach Doug Pederson will not have a ton of edges against the Lions. Jaguars Wire looks at a few key matchups that will be critical against the Lions on Sunday afternoon.

Jacksonville WR Brian Thomas Jr. vs. Detroit’s secondary

This is a big moment for the rookie receiver. Brian Thomas Jr. has been one of the better wide receivers in the league this year, an impressive feat for a rookie. Now demanding double-coverage, per Pederson, Thomas will face an uber-talented Lions secondary that will likely continue that trend this weekend.

Thomas’ strength is his vertical game but he is much more than that as a receiver. He has developed into an all-around playmaker who threatens all three levels of the field with his speed, agility, fluidity and route running.

The challenge in Detroit will be taking on cornerbacks Carlton Davis III and Terrion Arnold and safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch.

There is an argument that Branch has had a defensive player-of-the-year-worthy season. And while Detroit’s defense has allowed the fifth-most passing yards per game (244.2) in the NFL this season, it also gives up the third-fewest passing touchdowns per game (0.8).

If Pederson and offensive coordinator Press Taylor manufacture touches for Thomas, the Jaguars could find themselves in scoring positions more often. Thomas is bound for his true workhorse game and this week could be the one.

Jacksonville DE Josh Hines-Allen vs. Detroit OT Taylor Decker

Despite last week’s loss to Minnesota loss, Jacksonville edge rusher Josh Hines-Allen got the better of former teammate Cam Robinson, tallying eight pressures and forcing quarterback Sam Darnold into some rough decisions with the football.

According to Next Gen Stats, Hines-Allen leads the Jaguars in pressures and will line up opposite Lions left tackle Taylor Decker, whose pressure rate ranks in the bottom ten among players at his position at 10.6%.

This is one of the few Achilles heels on Detroit’s offense and there aren’t many of them. Decker is an overall sound tackle but arguably the weak link on the best offensive line in the NFL.

Hines-Allen has been a handful this season and has been continuously worthy of the contract extension that secured him as a true franchise cornerstone on a lowly team. A big day from the former Kentucky standout could keep this game a competitive one through all four quarters.

Jacksonville’s coaching vs. Detroit’s coaching

If you have watched any football between these two teams, it is clear there is a sizeable advantage. If not, this game features a Lions coaching staff that has one of the best offensive minds in the NFL in Ben Johnson, and a defensive coordinator who has his defense playing competitive football in Aaron Glenn.

Not to mention, Detroit is led by Dan Campbell, one of the most respected head coaches in football. It would be fair to expect him to get the most out of his players.

The Jaguars have been under a microscope for most of the season. After entering the season with playoff expectations, those expectations aren’t likely to be met unless they pull off a miraculous run in the final seven games.

If Pederson and the rest of his staff want to tone down the noise about their futures in Jacksonville, they must coach the best games of the season or at any point of their Jaguars tenure.

Last week, there were glimpses of the Jaguars generating more pressure with more blitzes. Defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen must coach a perfect game in this instance and find a way to force Lions quarterback Jared Goff into bad decisions for the second straight week.

Offensively, as stated in the aforementioned key matchup, having the game plan around getting the ball to Thomas is critical. Travis Etienne Jr.’s return to health helps with the loss of Tank Bigsby. Leaning on Thomas and Etienne will ease the pressure on backup quarterback Mac Jones.

It may seem like a tall task against one of the best coaching staffs in the league headed by Campbell, but the Jaguars have pulled off miracles under Pederson before. They could do it again in Detroit.

Pederson: Defenses are double-covering Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr.

Pederson: Defenses are double-covering Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr.

It has been a quiet couple of weeks for sensational Jaguars rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.

After averaging roughly four receptions for 72 yards over six targets per game in the first eight weeks of his debut NFL campaign, a stretch in which he scored five touchdowns, Thomas has been limited to seven targets, four catches, 34 yards and zero scores in Jacksonville’s last two games.

Granted, Thomas has played through a chest injury that he suffered in the last game he scored a touchdown, against the Green Bay Packers in Week 8.

However, Jacksonville head coach Doug Pederson has dismissed the notion that Thomas’ production is being limited by his injury.

Instead, Pederson has pointed toward the coverage Thomas has faced in the Jaguars’ recent matchups, largely Cover 3 Cloud in Week 9 against Philadelphia and a mix of traditional Cover 2 and Cover 3 Cloud versus Minnesota in Week 10.

Accordingly, Thomas often had two defenders dedicated to keeping him in check during these games.

“If you specifically watch the football game and not follow the ball, you will see what Philly did in kind of normal down situations. Some on third down as they had a corner and a safety. So, they basically doubled [Thomas],” Pederson explained on Nov. 4, noting the Eagles had not previously presented the coverage much throughout the season.

“It’s hard to throw the ball over there to a guy that’s doubled. So, you have to go other places with the ball. So that was part of their game plan.”

To pair, Pederson acknowledged that the Vikings’ impactful pass rush limited Thomas’ opportunities further in Week 10. Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones took three sacks and was pressured 10 times over 27 dropbacks on Sunday.

With Jaguars starting slot receiver Christian Kirk’s Week 8, season-ending shoulder injury in mind, perhaps opposing defenses are dedicating more resources to slowing Thomas down.

But Pederson believes the coverage attention Thomas has warranted can be navigated, by the coaching staff moving him around the offensive formation pre-snap and Thomas recognizing potential double-teams.

“I think you can put him in stacks, bunches. You can move him around the formation a little bit, do some things that way,” Pederson said Wednesday.

“The only downside to it is the offense has to be stationary at the snap so the defense can still move and get lined up as well. So do the best we can to move him around the formation, and then on Brian to obviously know that he’s going to be doubled at times. He’s just going to have to work to get himself free.”

Thomas’ next test will come against Detroit’s secondary on Sunday. The Lions have allowed 244.2 passing yards per game this season, the fifth-most in the NFL.