Story by
Jacksonville Jaguars take down Carolina Panthers 26-10: Here are our takeaways
- Story by
- Jacksonville Jaguars take down Carolina Panthers 26-10: Here are our takeaways
It's the season of new beginnings for the Jacksonville Jaguars .
A fresh start brought to you by the braintrust trio of head coach Liam Coen, general manager James Gladstone and EVP of football Tony Boselli.
Advertisement
A fresh start that resulted in a Week 1 win over the Carolina Panthers , 26-10.
Even a weather delay that lasted over an hour did not stop Jacksonville's momentum, especially on defense. Jacksonville's defense stymied Carolina's offense to the tune of forcing two punts, an interception, a fumble and two turnovers on downs after scoring a field goal on the team's first drive of the day.
The Panthers didn't score again until 4:47 remained in the game, a 27-yard catch-and-run touchdown by Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard .
RYAN O'HALLORAN: What we learned about Jaguars in Liam Coen, Travis Hunter debut
Advertisement
Before the game, the Jaguars ruled out just two players, cornerback Montaric Brown and offensive lineman Wyatt Milum . Both players missed practice all week ahead of the game. In addition, defensive lineman Maason Smith was ruled inactive, making him a healthy scratch.
The Jaguars went a bit unconventional with four running backs active. The team's game-day roster math was adjusted because of Hunter manning two spots, at receiver and corner.
GET CAUGHT UP: Jaguars take down Carolina Panthers
Trevor Lawrence , Jaguars offense efficient in debut
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) changes the play during the second quarter of an NFL football game between the Carolina Panthers at Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium Sunday September 7, 2025. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence entered Sunday's matchup with plenty of outside pressure to perform. The team cleaned house, bringing in a steadfast group to help the fifth-year QB reach his potential. That included reworking Lawrence's footwork in addition to a scheme built to maximize his strengths.
Advertisement
Against Carolina, Lawrence began the game with plenty of efficiency. He completed 14 of 19 for 128 yards and a touchdown during the first half.
Lawrence finished the game 19 of 31 for 178 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Jacksonville's offense made plenty of plays, including two fourth-down conversions, going 5 of 11 on third down and accumulating 378 total net yards compared to Carolina's 255.
Jaguars defense forces early turnover, capitalizes with touchdown
Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (23) reacts to his interception during the second quarter of an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
With 12:52 remaining in the first half, Jacksonville's defense came through like it seldom did last year.
Panthers quarterback Bryce Young dropped back on second-and-two from the Carolina 25-yard line and targeted receiver Xavier Legette on a short pass that was tipped up in the air by safety Eric Murray, with linebacker Foye Oluokun coming down with the football.
Advertisement
The pick marked Oluokun's third as a Jaguar and seventh interception in his career overall.
Last season, Jacksonville forced just nine turnovers, turning the takeaways into 25 points, including three touchdowns and a field goal.
JAGUARS REPORT CARD: Defense shows toughness, offense shines vs. Panthers
They immediately took advantage on Sunday, scoring from six yards out with a pass from Lawrence to tight end Hunter Long . Long was signed by the team as an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
The score gave Jacksonville a 10-3 lead with 8:32 left in the game. Shortly thereafter, the stadium officials announced a delay in the game due to the weather.
Advertisement
Jacksonville's defense gave up just 10 points and slowed down Carolina's ground game to the tune of 113 yards.
Jaguars defensive signees make plays in regular-season debut
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jourdan Lewis (2) breaks up a pass by Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) during the second quarter of an NFL football game between the Carolina Panthers at Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium Sunday September 7, 2025. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
Murray's deflection wasn't the only play made by a newcomer. After causing the interception, Murray followed that up later in the game to prevent a long catch downfield by Panthers receiver Hunter Renfrow . Renfrow was open down the middle of the field, but was hit by Murray as he was bringing in the ball, forcing it to come free.
Near the end of the first half, Jaguars linebacker Foye Oluokun forced a fumble on Young, recovered by free-agent signee, cornerback Jourdan Lewis . Lewis also recovered a pass breakup earlier in the contest that forced Carolina to settle for a field goal.
Advertisement
Lewis' recovery turned into a late-half field goal by Jacksonville, giving the team a 20-3 lead.
Travis Etienne shows off lightning-fast speed in first half
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) finds a hole during the first quarter of an NFL football game between the Carolina Panthers at Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium Sunday September 7, 2025. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
Jaguars running back Travis Etienne was the clear top dog in the running backs room during the first half against the Panthers on Sunday.
He carried the ball seven times compared to Bhayshul Tuten 's two carries in the first half. The only other running back to receive a carry in the first half was fellow rookie LeQuint Allen, who had one carry for seven yards.
With 3:39 left in the first half, Etienne took the ball, broke a couple of tackles, and sprinted down the middle of the field, bobbing and weaving his way for a 71-yard gain to set up Jacksonville's second touchdown of the day. Etienne's run moved him into sixth place in franchise history, surpassing former Jags RB James Stewart for all-time yards.
Advertisement
Etienne got up to a max speed of 20.19 miles per hour, according to in-stadium graphics.
The run also helped give the Jaguars 134 rushing yards in the first half, their most rushing yards in a first half since Week 6 of 2022 (150).
Etienne finished the game with 16 rushes for 143 yards.
Travis Hunter makes NFL debut on both sides of the ball
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) is introduced before an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
All eyes were on Hunter throughout Jacksonville's game against Carolina.
The rookie wideout/cornerback started the game on offense alongside fellow receivers Brian Thomas Jr. and Dyami Brown . Hunter caught his first pass with 12:38 left in the first quarter, a short pass that went for 10 yards to set the team up in a 3rd-and-10 situation on 2nd-and-20.
Advertisement
Up until the teams were forced to suspend the game due to weather, Hunter had caught four passes for 22 yards.
In the second half, Hunter played multiple snaps on defense, giving the team a different look on that side of the ball. Hunter played on the boundary opposite Tyson Campbell with Lewis in the slot.
Though Hunter didn't make an obviously impactful play on that side of the ball, his energy was felt throughout the team on Sunday.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville Jaguars come out on top, beat Panthers 26-10 in season opener
