Brian Thomas Jr. reminded everyone on Sunday why he was such a highly touted rookie coming into the season. After a quiet stretch of games, the Jaguars’ wideout made a statement early in Jacksonville’s Week 14 showdown against the Colts - and he did it with one hand.
Late in the first quarter, with the Jaguars already up 7-0 thanks to a short Travis Etienne Jr. touchdown run, Trevor Lawrence decided it was time to stretch the field. He launched a deep ball down the far sideline, and Thomas did the rest - elevating with Colts cornerback Charvarius Ward in tight coverage and somehow hauling it in with just his right hand. It was the kind of grab that ends up in highlight reels and GIF loops for days.
Ward had textbook coverage. He was right there, step for step, but sometimes great offense just beats good defense. All Ward could do was pick himself up, shake his head, and get ready for the next play.
Thomas wasn’t done. He followed up the one-handed gem with an 18-yard reception to close out the quarter, finishing the opening frame with two catches for 57 yards - more than he’d recorded in any of his previous three games. For a player who’s been relatively quiet in recent weeks, especially with fellow rookie Travis Hunter sidelined, this was a much-needed breakout moment.
Expectations have been high for Thomas, particularly with Hunter on injured reserve. But instead of stepping into the spotlight, Thomas has often been overshadowed by Parker Washington and midseason pickup Jakobi Meyers. Sunday’s start, though, felt like a turning point - a reminder of the talent that made him a first-round pick.
Of course, it helps when the opposing defense is missing key pieces. The Colts came into this game without two of their biggest defensive names: DeForest Buckner and Sauce Gardner.
Gardner, acquired at the trade deadline, had brought some much-needed stability to Indianapolis’ secondary. But without him, the unit looked vulnerable again - and the Jaguars wasted no time exploiting that.
This game carries real weight in the AFC South. Both teams entered Week 14 tied atop the division, and Jacksonville had momentum on its side, riding a 4-1 run since the bye week. With playoff positioning on the line, every drive matters - and Thomas Jr. made sure his presence was felt right out of the gate.
If this is the version of Brian Thomas Jr. the Jaguars get down the stretch, their offense just got a whole lot more dangerous.