Evaluating Brian Thomas Jr.'s impact on Jaguars' offense

It was a big day for wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. in the Jacksonville Jaguars' Week 14 win over the Indianapolis Colts.

Thomas Jr. put together one of his best performances of the season, hauling in three passes for 87 yards. This includes a long reception of 39 yards and an average of 29.0 yards per catch.

The first half of Thomas Jr.'s season was filled with inconsistency, but that hasn't been the case over the last two weeks after returning from injury.

Before the Tennessee game, head coach Liam Coen mentioned how the offense missed Thomas Jr.'s downfield abilities. While the offense has grown more efficient through the air in recent weeks, that big play element was missing -- until Thomas Jr.'s return.

Along with the chunk plays Thomas Jr. is generating, others in the passing game are finding downfield success.

In Sunday's win, Tim Patrick had receptions of 37 yards and 26 yards. The week before in Tennessee, Jakobi Meyers had a 50-yard catch, Parker Washington a 26-yard catch, and Brenton Strange a 21-yard catch.

I doubt it's a coincidence that these explosive passing plays for the Jaguars have happened more often with Thomas Jr. back in the mix.

A player with Thomas Jr.'s talent and speed commands the attention of opposing defenses, and that can open up opportunities for others in the passing game.

The Jaguars' offense has been picking up steam, and Thomas Jr.'s return and level of play are playing a key role in that.

This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Brian Thomas Jr. leaving his mark on Jaguars' offense last 2 weeks