Why Liam Coen believes Trevor Lawrence, BTJ can unlock offense

The Jacksonville Jaguars have made a concerted effort to re-establish chemistry between quarterback Trevor Lawrence and wide receiver Brian Thomas, Jr. this offseason. After an incredible rookie season and a disappointing sophomore year, head coach Liam Coen has made it clear that that relationship is the priority this offseason.

After the first day of minicamp, Coen spoke to the media in a press conference, and said there has already been improvement with the two, particularly in regards to deep balls.

#jaguars HC Liam Coen says Trevor Lawrence & Brian Thomas Jr have connected on more deep balls these past few weeks than they did all last offseason.@BrentASJaxpic.twitter.com/PqmabgKmIb

— Action Sports Jax (@ActionSportsJax) June 9, 2026

“I would say we’ve probably hit more of those in these OTAs and mini camp than we did of all last season or last offseason combined — that’s being the spring and training camp. I would say we’ve probably hit more of those than last year combined, which is a good thing,” Coen began. “It’s something that we wanted to emphasize. We started to emphasize it more after the bye, in terms of trying to push the ball down the field more.”

He further added that if Lawrence and Thomas can improve together, it will positively benefit the rest of the offense.

“That chemistry with those two is so important because if we can be explosive with those down the field routes, being able to push the ball down the field with those two specifically, it truly unlocks what everybody else can do,” he said. “Not only just what he and BT are able to do, it helps Brent Strange, it helps Parker Washington, it helps Jakobi Meyers, and it helps the run game. Because now it’s like, okay, if we keep throwing over your head, now maybe you have to play more two high safeties, be able to lean coverage.”

If Thomas is able to become the explosive receiver he was in his rookie year, defenses will be forced to devote more coverage to him, which will then give more space to both Washington and Meyers, and force lighter boxes for the run game.

Coen has consistently stressed that he wants a strong, versatile receiving corps that gives Lawrence lots of options, as opposed to one star WR1. Yet Thomas becoming a potential threat again in 2026 will be exactly what allows that to happen. Unlocking that deep-threat ability is a way to create opportunities for the entire offense.

This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Liam Coen: Trevor Lawrence, BTJ can make Jaguars offense more explosive