Foye Oluokun
Jaguars Linebacker Foye Oluokun has seen enough of Bryce Young’s tape to understand the challenge ahead
The Jacksonville Jaguars know better than to overlook the Carolina Panthers. What looked like a struggling offense early in the 2024 season quietly transformed down the stretch into one of the NFC’s more explosive units. The difference came in rhythm, timing, and the ability to generate chunk plays through the air. Now, as the two teams prepare to meet, Jaguars defenders are keeping their eyes trained on Carolina quarterback Bryce Young—and the playmakers who surround him.
Foye Oluokun on Containing Bryce Young
Linebacker Foye Oluokun has seen enough of Bryce Young’s tape to understand the challenge ahead. Young’s improvisational skills separate him from more traditional quarterbacks, forcing defenses to account for plays that extend far beyond the first read.
“When they do get out in space, they try to pick up one-on-one matchups a little bit when they get in empty or four-open sets,” Oluokun explained. “He really tries to extend plays and make cool throws down the field, however he does it—sidearm and all that stuff. Kinda get the quarterback out of the pocket and get the matchup that he wants. We definitely need to be on our assignments to match all that.”
For Jacksonville, that means eye discipline will be critical. Young thrives when defenses over-pursue or lose track of receivers after several seconds. Oluokun emphasized the need for patience and discipline, knowing one lapse could turn into a 40-yard completion.
Jourdan Lewis on Carolina’s Receivers
If Bryce Young is the conductor, Carolina’s receivers are the orchestra. Cornerback Jourdan Lewis, who has matched up against several of them before, knows the Panthers’ depth is more dangerous than it looks on paper.
“They’ve got big guys that can make plays,” Lewis said. “And Hunter Renfrow—I’ve played him before. He is very sneaky, very crafty; you don’t want to sleep on him. And of course, Jimmy Horn Jr. is crafty too.”
The challenge for Jacksonville’s secondary will be maintaining discipline against a Panthers receiving corps that thrives on precision and creativity. Renfrow’s knack for separating late in routes, paired with Horn’s quickness, gives Young multiple options when extending plays. Adding the physical presence of Carolina’s bigger wideouts, Xavier Legette and rookie Tetairoa McMillan, makes it clear why the Panthers’ offense can pose real problems.
A Steph Curry Comparison
Jaguars Head Coach Liam Coen didn’t mince words when describing what makes Young unique.
“He can hurt you in a few different ways,” Coen said. “You let that dude out of the pocket, he can be a problem—because he uses his legs as a runner but remains a passer as he does scramble and move around. I always kinda thought he had some Steph Curry-ish ability as a quarterback.”
It’s a comparison that makes sense. Like Curry in basketball, Young changes angles, attacks in unconventional ways, and forces defenders to react outside of traditional structure. That unpredictability is what makes him so difficult to contain.
The Jaguars’ Defensive Test
Week one will test Jacksonville’s discipline, communication, and adaptability. Both Oluokun and Lewis pointed out that the Panthers’ offense is a far cry from the unit it was early last year. With Young’s development, Renfrow’s precise route running, and Horn’s creative playmaking, Carolina now offers a blend of size, skill, and rhythm that demands near-perfect execution from opposing defenses.
The Jaguars have the personnel to match up. What remains to be seen is whether they can stay locked in long enough to prevent Young’s improvisation from turning routine plays into backbreaking highlights. The silent traps are there. The question is whether Jacksonville can avoid stepping into them.