Jaguars Run Past Panthers as Liam Coen Era Begins with a Win

The Jacksonville Jaguars kicked off the Liam Coen era in impressive fashion, beating the Carolina Panthers 26 to 10 in a lightning-delayed opener. Jacksonville looked sharper, faster, and more disciplined than in recent years, while Carolina stumbled behind a struggling Bryce Young.

Jaguars Offense Finds Its Rhythm Under Coen

A one-hour and sixteen-minute lightning delay did not slow down Jacksonville. The Jaguars scored on four of their first five possessions, immediately showing how much more organized and explosive they could be with Liam Coen calling plays.

Trevor Lawrence had a mixed day, flashing brilliance on some throws but also missing several passes and failing to sync up with rookie Brian Thomas Jr. The real star was Travis Etienne. The running back silenced questions about his role with a monster performance, carrying 16 times for 143 yards, including a 71 yard sprint that broke the game wide open.

Etienne racked up 109 yards on nine inside carries, recording a career-best plus 66 rushing yards over expected. He looked faster, stronger, and perfectly suited for Coen’s offense.

Bryce Young’s Rough Start Continues

For Carolina, it was another frustrating day with Bryce Young at the helm. The second-year quarterback reverted back to early 2024 form, sailing throws high and wide, turning the ball over three times, and looking rattled throughout the game.

Young finished with two interceptions, including a final throw that bounced off Rico Dowdle’s hands for a pick, a fitting end to a long afternoon. Outside of rookie Tetairoa McMillan, who caught five passes for 68 yards and showed promise in his debut, Young received little help from his supporting cast. The offensive line struggled, no other wideout topped 11 yards, and the Panthers never found rhythm.

Carolina has now dropped to 0-8 in games where Young starts and the team posts a turnover margin of minus two or worse.

Secondary Additions Pay Off for Jacksonville

The Jaguars defense looked rejuvenated, thanks to offseason additions Jourdan Lewis and Eric Murray.

Lewis was everywhere, breaking up three passes, intercepting Young’s final throw, recovering a fumble, and even recording a quarterback hit. Murray made his presence felt with hard hits and two passes defensed of his own.

A year ago, Jacksonville’s secondary was one of its biggest weaknesses. On Sunday, it looked like a strength. Whether this holds up when the Jags face Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins next week remains to be seen, but the early returns were promising.

By the Numbers

• Travis Etienne: 143 rushing yards on 16 carries, including a 71 yard touchdown run.

• Jaguars defense: allowed just 10 points and 255 total yards, their best Week 1 showing since 2017.

• Travis Hunter: played 39 snaps on offense, catching six passes for 33 yards, and six snaps on defense, allowing one catch for 12 yards.

The Bottom Line

The Jaguars looked like a team ready to compete in the AFC South under Liam Coen. Etienne’s big day, paired with playmaking in the secondary, gave Jacksonville a convincing win.

For the Panthers, the struggles of Bryce Young remain the story. Until Young settles in and the offense provides more support, Carolina will continue to fall behind in games like this.