By Jeff Moeller, Florida Sports Wire
One of the highlights for the 3-11 Jaguars and 2-12 Raiders matchup this Sunday will be playing in state-of-the art Allegiant Stadium. It’s viewed as one of the league’s centerpieces.
The Jags’ current centerpiece is wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., who now has average pieces around him due to injuries.
It likely won’t be a highly watched game especially in the Las Vegas market, where there is more action on the casino tables instead of TV sets tuned to the Raiders.
They have been that bad, and this isn’t the old Oakland crowd.
Then there’s the possibility of Thomas ravaging the Raiders’ secondary in spite of them being ranked ninth overall, allowing 208.3 yards per game.
There may be some more intrigue for Las Vegas that Aiden O’Donnell is back at quarterback for Las Vegas instead of Desmond Ritter.
The other plot line involves draft placement between the two teams. The Raiders currently have the top pick and the Jags are fourth.
Tank anyone?
Maybe for Las Vegas, but the Jags still can create some more highlights for Thomas.
The Jags’ top pick has become the team’s “show,” according to head coach Doug Pederson. He’s been the main outlet for screens, drags, quick outs, deep balls, and however they can get him the ball.
Thomas has been gaining momentum as one of the league’s best young wideouts and receivers overall in the league. He’ll enter Sunday’s contest with 64 catches for 956 yards and eight touchdowns. Thomas is among the league leaders in all of those categories.
He’ll face a challenge against the Raiders’ Decamerion Richardson, who is considered to be one of the better shutdown corners. Yet, Thomas has overcome battles earlier this season.
The 6-3 leaper has set new rookie marks in yards and touchdowns, and he will break the reception record this Sunday with his first catch.
In a season of disappointment and underachievement, offensive coordinator Press Taylor has watched Thomas’ potential reaching its fruition possibly earlier than expected.
“There’s a lot of trust. there’s a lot of confidence,” Taylor said about the rookie. “His confidence is rising. I think everybody’s confidence in him is rising.”
They should.
Thomas again will be the Jags’ centerpiece this Sunday, while the Raiders have a new stadium and O’Donnell.
