Jaguars Roar into New Era with 26-10 Triumph Over Panthers

Brian Thomas Jr. also contributed with a rushing touchdown as Jacksonville dominated both lines of scrimmage, ensuring Lawrence stayed protected throughout the game.

The match faced a 1 hour and 16 minutes delay due to nearby lightning. The Jaguars were ahead 10-3 when the delay happened, and upon resuming, they scored most of their points.

Jacksonville’s restructured defense played a crucial role, with newcomers Jourdan Lewis and Eric Murray making key plays. Lewis played a part in a first-half interception by Foye Oluokun.

These efforts drew praise for first-time head coach Liam Coen, general manager James Gladstone, and executive vice president Tony Boselli. Additionally, both the offensive and defensive coordinators were new, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the Jaguars’ season opener.

The Panthers struggled, turning over the ball twice in the first half and failing on fourth-down attempts in the second.

Bryce Young had a disappointing start, completing 18 of 35 passes for 154 yards, a touchdown to Chuba Hubbard, two interceptions, and a fumble. He made a questionable decision by throwing the ball out of bounds on fourth-and-1 from the 5-yard line.

This marked the third consecutive season opener where Young struggled, accumulating four interceptions in the previous two seasons’ blowout losses.

Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, the second pick in the NFL draft, was more prominent on offense, participating in 39 offensive plays and recording six catches for 33 yards. Defensively, he played only six snaps as a cornerback in passing situations.

Hunter nearly scored a touchdown in the second half, but Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn made a spectacular one-handed interception.

Travis Etienne earned family bragging rights by winning in his first significant match against his younger brother, Trevor. Etienne logged 16 carries, exceeding 100 rushing yards for just the second time in his last 28 games, both against the Panthers. A 71-yard run by him set up a touchdown.

Trevor Etienne, the Panthers’ backup running back and main returner, accumulated 47 all-purpose yards.

For the Panthers, defensive end Turk Wharton, who signed a $45 million, three-year contract in free agency, was ruled out due to a knee injury in the second quarter. Wharton had been initially checked for a concussion but was cleared. Carolina linebacker Pat Jones also left with an ankle injury, and starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu did not play as he is recovering from an appendectomy.

The Jaguars’ right tackle, Anton Harrison, exited late in the game with a back injury.

The Panthers will play against Arizona next Sunday.

The Jaguars will face Cincinnati on the same day.

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