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.”
