Jaguars Defeat Panthers 26-10 Behind Strong Ground Game and Defense

The Jacksonville Jaguars started their 2025 season with a strong 26-10 win against the Carolina Panthers at home. This game was a good test for both teams as they try to make progress in their rebuilding efforts with new head coach Liam Cohen.

First Quarter Sets the Tone

The Jaguars were the first to score in the opening quarter. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence led the team down the field with confidence. Lawrence, who has his best team support yet, completed 19 of 31 passes for 178 yards and one touchdown. Tight end Brenton Strange made some great catches, finishing with 59 receiving yards on four catches. Jacksonville ended their first drive with a 35-yard field goal by Cameron Little to take a 3-0 lead.

The Panthers quickly answered back with a good drive, led by third-year quarterback Bryce Young. Young showed great progress from last season and connected with first-round pick Tetairoa McMillan for an 11-yard gain. Running back Chuba Hubbard, who did well in the previous season, helped carry the ball. Carolina tied the game 3-3 with a 48-yard field goal by Ryan Fitzgerald as the first quarter ended.

Jaguars Take Control in Second Quarter

The Jaguars took charge in the second quarter, scoring 10 points to take a 13-3 lead at halftime. The big moment came when Panthers linebacker Foyesade Oluokun intercepted a pass from Bryce Young meant for Xavier Legette. This gave the Jaguars great field position.

Jacksonville used this chance, with Trevor Lawrence finding Hunter Long for a 6-yard touchdown pass. The scoring drive showed the balanced attack that Coach Liam Cohen had planned, similar to what he used in Tampa Bay.

Later in the quarter, the Jaguars added to their lead with an amazing 71-yard touchdown run by Travis Etienne Jr. The veteran running back, who had 143 rushing yards on 16 carries, broke through the Panthers' defense for the longest play of the game. Second-year wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. then ran for a 9-yard touchdown, showing how versatile Jacksonville's offense can be.

Second Half Defensive Battle

The third quarter was delayed by lightning for more than an hour. When play resumed, both defenses stepped up. The Panthers only got to attempt a field goal that was blocked, while the Jaguars did not score.

Fourth Quarter Seals the Victory

In the fourth quarter, Jacksonville increased their lead with another field goal, making it 16-3. The Panthers fought back with a 27-yard touchdown pass from Bryce Young to Chuba Hubbard, cutting the score to 16-10. However, the Jaguars added two more field goals to win 26-10.

Tank Bigsby had 12 rushing yards on five carries, and rookie receiver Dyami Brown added 52 receiving yards on three catches. This showed the depth that Coach Cohen has available.

Looking Ahead

This win gives the Jaguars a boost as they start the Liam Cohen era. Trevor Lawrence looked relaxed in the new system, and the running game was strong with Etienne Jr. leading. Rookie #2 overall pick Travis Hunter spent most of his time on offense and finished with 6 catches. The Panthers, even with the loss, showed signs of improvement that made them competitive last season.

Both teams will aim to build on this game as they get ready for their Week 2 matchups, which will further challenge their early-season growth.