NFL Playoffs: 5 reasons Jacksonville Jaguars will make it
By John Buhler
4. Blake Bortles to Julius Thomas
A silver lining in the Jacksonville Jaguars’ loss to a bad opponent at home in the San Diego Chargers is that the Blake Bortles to Julius Thomas connection finally came to fruition. Thomas, who came to Jacksonville via free agency, broke his finger in the first preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers and hadn’t factored into the Jaguars’ passing game until Week 12.
In Week 12, Julius Thomas had nine receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown. Two of his three touchdown receptions have come in the last two weeks. If Bortles can continue to target Thomas in the red zone, then Jacksonville could have a complete aerial attack.
Since Marcedes Lewis is more of a blocking tight end at this point in his career, signing Thomas away from Denver was one of the more marquee offensive signings of the 2015 NFL Free Agency period. Perhaps Thomas realized that pairing with the former No. 3 overall draft selection in the 2014 NFL Draft in quarterback Blake Bortles would help keep him relevant as his former Denver quarterback Peyton Manning’s career has soured.
Late in ball games, especially late in the season, it is more important than ever to get touchdowns in the red zone and convert on third down. Should the Bortles to Thomas connection continue to grow, Jacksonville could have the passing game to contend with anybody as 2015 winds down.
Next: 5. Gus Bradley Probably Needs To