Jaguars Ground Out 26-10 Victory Over Panthers in Season Opener

The Jacksonville Jaguars opened their 2025 season with a convincing 26-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers at home, showcasing the improvements that new head coach Liam Cohen has brought to the team. The game marked an important test for both franchises as they look to take steps forward in their respective rebuilds.

First Quarter Sets the Tone

The Jaguars struck first in the opening quarter, with quarterback Trevor Lawrence methodically moving the team down the field. Lawrence, who entered the season with his best supporting cast yet, completed 19 of 31 passes for 178 yards and one touchdown. The drive was highlighted by strong catches from tight end Brenton Strange, who finished with 59 receiving yards on four receptions. Jacksonville capped off their opening drive with a 35-yard field goal by Cameron Little to take a 3-0 lead.

The Panthers responded with their own solid drive, led by third-year quarterback Bryce Young. Young, who showed remarkable improvement in the second half of last season under coach Dave Canales, connected with first-round pick Tetairoa McMillan for an 11-yard gain. Running back Chuba Hubbard, coming off a breakout 2024 season, carried the load in the ground game. Carolina tied the game at 3-3 with a 48-yard field goal by Ryan Fitzgerald as the first quarter ended.

Jaguars Take Control in Second Quarter

The second quarter belonged to Jacksonville, as they scored 10 points to take a 13-3 halftime lead. The turning point came when Panthers linebacker Foyesade Oluokun intercepted a Bryce Young pass intended for Xavier Legette, giving the Jaguars excellent field position.

Jacksonville capitalized on the turnover, with Trevor Lawrence finding Hunter Long for a 6-yard touchdown pass. The scoring drive showcased the balanced attack that coach Liam Cohen has implemented, similar to his successful system in Tampa Bay.

Late in the quarter, the Jaguars added to their lead with a spectacular 71-yard touchdown run by Travis Etienne Jr. The veteran running back, who finished with 143 rushing yards on 16 carries, broke through the Panthers' defense for the game's longest play. Second-year wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. then punched in a 9-yard rushing touchdown, demonstrating the versatility that makes Jacksonville's offense dangerous.

Second Half Defensive Battle

The third quarter was delayed by lightning for over an hour, but when play resumed, both defenses tightened up. The Panthers managed just a field goal attempt that was blocked, while the Jaguars were held scoreless.

Fourth Quarter Seals the Victory

Jacksonville extended their lead in the fourth quarter with another field goal, making it 16-3. The Panthers showed fight with a 27-yard touchdown pass from Young to Chuba Hubbard, cutting the deficit to 16-10. However, the Jaguars responded with two more field goals to seal the 26-10 victory.

Tank Bigsby contributed 12 rushing yards on five carries, while rookie receiver Dyami Brown added 52 receiving yards on three catches, showing the depth that coach Cohen has at his disposal.

Looking Ahead

This victory gives the Jaguars momentum as they begin the Liam Cohen era. Trevor Lawrence looked comfortable in the new system, and the running game dominated with Etienne Jr. leading the way. Rookie #2 overall pick Travis Hunter spent most of his time on offense and finished with 6 catches. The Panthers, despite the loss, showed flashes of the improvement that made them competitive in the second half of 2024.

Both teams will look to build on this game as they prepare for Week 2 matchups that will further test their early-season progress.