{"id":1398045,"date":"2025-09-08T11:12:56","date_gmt":"2025-09-08T10:12:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=nfl-news&p=1398045"},"modified":"2025-09-25T16:17:53","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T15:17:53","slug":"game-recap-jacksonville-jaguars-26-10-carolina-panthers-jaguars-dominate-both-sides-in-season-opener","status":"publish","type":"nfl-news","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/nfl\/nfl-news\/game-recap-jacksonville-jaguars-26-10-carolina-panthers-jaguars-dominate-both-sides-in-season-opener\/","title":{"rendered":"Game Recap: Jacksonville Jaguars 26-10 Carolina Panthers \u2013 Jaguars dominate both sides in season opener"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Summary<\/h2>\n

The Jacksonville Jaguars began their 2025 NFL campaign in style, overpowering the Carolina Panthers 26-10 at EverBank Stadium. Backed by 59,957 fans on a warm, partly cloudy Florida evening (29\u00b0C\/85\u00b0F, 71% humidity), the Jaguars asserted control from the second quarter onwards, establishing a two-score margin before half-time and never looking back. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence managed the game with poise, while Travis Etienne Jr. exploded for over 140 rushing yards and the Jaguars’ defence generated timely turnovers and relentless pressure.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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Quarter by Quarter Breakdown<\/h2>\n

First Quarter<\/h3>\n

Both teams started evenly, with Cam Little converting a 35-yard field goal for Jacksonville to open the scoring, quickly answered by a 48-yarder from Panthers kicker Ryan Fitzgerald. The quarter featured methodical drives but red-zone defences limited touchdowns. Etienne and Brenton Strange began to show their impact, and penalties stalled promising Jaguars advances.<\/p>\n

Second Quarter<\/h3>\n

The Jaguars seized control, first capitalising on a Foyesade Oluokun interception to set up a Lawrence-to-Hunter Long touchdown from six yards. Later in the quarter, Etienne broke free for a 71-yard dash (the game’s longest play) and Brian Thomas Jr. capped the drive with a 9-yard TD scamper on an end-around. Cam Little added a field goal as the half expired, giving Jacksonville a 20-3 lead. Carolina\u2019s offence stagnated, and Bryce Young struggled under regular duress.<\/p>\n

Third Quarter<\/h3>\n

Defences stiffened in the third, resulting in a scoreless period. The Jaguars’ ground game churned clock, while Young failed to convert in the red zone and both teams traded punts as holding calls and sacks dominated the period.<\/p>\n

Fourth Quarter<\/h3>\n

Jacksonville extended their lead via a Cam Little field goal after a 15-play drive. The Panthers answered with a rare spark \u2013 Young connected with Chuba Hubbard on a 27-yard catch-and-run for Carolina\u2019s first and only touchdown. But a crisp, run-heavy response from the Jaguars ground down the clock and led to another Little field goal, ensuring a comprehensive 26-10 win.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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Key Player Observations<\/h2>\n