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Michael DiRocco, ESPN Staff WriterDec 15, 2024, 01:35 PM ET
- Michael DiRocco is an NFL reporter at ESPN. DiRocco covers the Jacksonville Jaguars. He previously covered the University of Florida for over a decade for ESPN.com and Florida Times-Union. DiRocco graduated from Jacksonville University and is a multiple APSE award winner. You can follow DiRocco on Twitter at @ESPNdirocco.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas capped the team’s opening drive with a 3-yard touchdown catch — and grabbed a piece of history along with it.
Thomas, who was one of three receivers on the right side of the formation, ran a simple crossing route in the end zone. Jets safety Chuck Clark had man coverage and wasn’t able to keep up with the speedy Thomas, who ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the combine and entered the day with the second-fastest speed of any player this season (22.15 mph).
Mac Jones to Brian Thomas Jr.
: #NYJvsJAX on FOX
: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/rhOQ1nSu8T— NFL (@NFL) December 15, 2024
That was Thomas’ seventh TD catch of the season, breaking a tie with Allen Hurns for the most by a rookie in franchise history. Thomas had four catches for 18 yards on the drive, which put him at 869 yards this season, pushing him past Justin Blackmon for most by a rookie in franchise history (865 in 2012).
It was also the Jaguars’ first opening-drive touchdown since Week 13 of 2023 against Cincinnati, a span of 19 games.
