The Jacksonville Jaguars headed into their bye week facing more questions than they had answers for. After a two-game losing streak, the excitement from their early season has fizzled out, and their once-promising offense is now under the spotlight. Fans are starting to wonder if Trevor Lawrence is still the long-term answer or just another talented quarterback who’s stuck in neutral.

After another humbling 35-7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, the criticism reached a boiling point. When one fan on X posted a video of the receiver Brian Thomas Jr. dropping a clean pass and said, “This is Trevor’s fault.” Former Jaguars receiver Jimmy Smith stepped in. The retired wideout fired back with a sharp response: “How?!!!” His defense of the quarterback gained traction, igniting a debate about where the real blame lies. The slow-motion replay clearly shows Thomas letting a straightforward pass slip through his fingers.

Smith’s reaction reflects what many within the organization are feeling. Lawrence isn’t the only one to blame. The Jaguars lead the league in dropped passes, and mistakes like Thomas’s have consistently stalled drives. Head coach Liam Coen has recognized the problem, encouraging Lawrence to be more decisive and to utilize his legs more. But he’s also emphasized that the team’s execution around the quarterback needs to improve.

The Jaguars’ drop issues have reached a breaking point. They now lead the NFL in incompletions caused by drops or receiver errors, 39 total for Trevor Lawrence, meaning 37% of his incompletions stem from his own pass-catchers. Brian Thomas Jr. has been the biggest culprit, but Parker Washington and Dyami Brown have also struggled. At this stage, the problem extends beyond players, raising legitimate questions about the Jaguars’ coaching and preparation on offense.

Despite the noise, Coen remains optimistic about Lawrence’s progress. He’s noticed better arm strength, increased command, and a growing comfort within the system. The stats support this, even if the outcomes haven’t been favorable. Now sitting at 4-3, Jacksonville is clinging to a playoff spot, and with an easier schedule on the horizon, there’s still a chance to turn things around.

For now, Smith’s words resonate. In a city hungry for answers, the legendary receiver’s defense serves as a reminder that sometimes, even the franchise quarterback needs a little help.

Also, highlighted growing frustrations with Brian Thomas Jr.’s inconsistency. Reports suggest the team is looking at its offensive struggles, and Thomas’s name has now surfaced in unexpected trade talks.

Jaguars reportedly listening to trade calls for Brian Thomas Jr.

The Jacksonville Jaguars might be gearing up for one of the most captivating storylines as the NFL trade deadline approaches. According to Dianna Russini from The Athletic, the team is “listening on calls” regarding wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., although a trade seems “highly unlikely” at this point.

The fact that Thomas is being mentioned in trade discussions is significant. The second-year wide receiver had a breakout rookie season in 2024, racking up 1,282 yards and ten touchdowns. However, his performance this season has been a bit shaky. After seven games, he’s only racked up 365 yards and one touchdown and has a league-high nine drops on 55 targets.

When the Jaguars picked Travis Hunter with the No. 2 overall pick in this year’s draft, many thought his presence would help improve coverage and give Thomas more opportunities. Instead, his inconsistency has raised some eyebrows.

There have already been some trade rumors floating around. Some analysts have suggested potential deals with the Raiders. Possibly involving pass rusher Michael Koonce or wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, who previously thrived under Jaguars receivers coach Edgar Bennett. A trade for Meyers might also include a mid-round pick to even things out.

That said, Jacksonville doesn’t have much reason to part ways with Thomas right now. At just 23 years old and on a rookie contract through at least 2027, he’s still one of the team’s most talented playmakers.