Jaguars Defensive Stars
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The Jaguars’ 26-10 win over the Panthers revealed three keys: dominant O-line play, Trevor Lawrence’s rhythm, and a defense that forced turnovers
The Jacksonville Jaguars opened their season at home with a commanding 26-10 win over the Carolina Panthers. Following a weather delay that halted action for one hour and sixteen minutes. The result was more than just a lopsided scoreline. It highlighted significant growth in critical areas that could shape the team’s future under new head coach Liam Coen. From the offensive line dominance to Trevor Lawrence’s poise and a defense that looked more formidable than it has in years, Jacksonville set an early tone for what could be a promising season.
Offensive Line Sets the Tone Early
For months, much of the Jaguars’ optimism was tied to the revamped offensive line, and Sunday’s performance delivered on that hope. The additions of Patrick Mekari and Robert Hainsey immediately paid off, giving Trevor Lawrence a clean pocket throughout the game. Remarkably, Lawrence wasn’t sacked once, and the unit’s run blocking paved the way for over 200 rushing yards on the day. Head Coach Liam Coen credited the group for their effort and discipline.
“I thought those guys up front played pretty well at times,” Coen said. “I really did feel like they were protecting their tails off.”
The ability to control the trenches allowed Jacksonville to dictate the pace offensively. The ground game forced Carolina’s defense to stay honest, which allowed Lawrence to spread the ball around and avoid constant pressure. For a team that struggled with consistency up front last season, the early returns suggest this unit may be the foundation Jacksonville needs to compete deep into the year.
Lawrence’s Efficiency and Defensive Dominance
Although the offensive line provided strong protection, Trevor Lawrence still needed to deliver—and he did just that. After a shaky opening drive, Lawrence found his rhythm, finishing 19-of-31 for 178 yards, a touchdown, and one interception. He also made an impact on the ground, picking up 12 yards on four carries, including two crucial scrambles that kept drives alive. Most notably, Lawrence connected with seven different receivers, showing trust in the new system and confidence in his playmakers.
“I thought that especially early on he had great communication—we were in and out of the huddle, and he handled things well,” Coen said. “He had to can a lot of plays, and he did it effectively and efficiently. The two scrambles for positive yards were huge.”
On the other side of the ball, Jacksonville’s defense looked like a completely different unit compared to 2024. The Jaguars held the Panthers to just 255 total yards and forced three turnovers, nearly doubling last season’s total in a single afternoon. Linebacker Foye Oluokun set the tone with 10 tackles, a forced fumble, and an interception, while veterans Eric Murray and Jourdan Lewis helped stabilize coverage on the back end and affect the game at the line of scrimmage.
Coen credited defensive coordinator Joe Campanile for his aggressive approach.
“I thought the defensive staff specifically did a great job,” Coen said. “Campanile had some very timely pressure called—in both the run and the pass. To really get three turnovers, should have been a fourth, and two turnovers on downs—that’s damn good defense.”
The Jaguars didn’t just win—they checked boxes across the board. Protecting the quarterback, spreading the ball, and creating defensive takeaways all point to a more complete and disciplined team. If Sunday was any indication, Jacksonville may have found the formula to finally turn potential into results.