Scout's Take: NFL Media and Jaguars Media Analyst Bucky Brooks Examines Jaguars-Panthers, Week 1

Sep 11, 2025 at 10:36 AM

Bucky Brooks

Jaguars Analyst

JACKSONVILLE – In a weekly feature for the 2025 season, NFL Media and Jaguars Media Analyst Bucky Brooks breaks down the Jaguars' performance in a 26-10 Week 1 victory over the Carolina Panthers at EverBank Stadium.

BIG IMPRESSIONS

It is only one game, but the Jaguars are indeed committed to playing the brand of ball that Head Coach Liam Coen has been promoting since taking over as the franchise's leader. The Jaguars not only exhibited the toughness, physicality and situationally smart football that the rookie coach has touted in nearly every press conference, but they played with the confidence and composure typically associated with a playoff contender. From their ability to handle an unexpected weather break that halted their momentum in the second quarter to closing the game out with a pivotal turnover, the Jaguars exhibited the kind of grit and maturity that eventually translates into playoff success.

KEYS TO VICTORY

The Jaguars imposed their will on the Panthers from beginning to end. The team's newfound commitment to the run and their turnover-obsessed defense led to a 26-10 victory that was not nearly as close as the final score indicated. The Jaguars bludgeoned the visitors with a physical running game that produced 200 rushing yards, including 143 yards and a score from running back Travis Etienne Jr. on 16 carries. With the running game luring defenders near the line of scrimmage, quarterback Trevor Lawrence was able to sprinkle in a few play-action "dimes" to keep the offense on schedule. As the defense complemented the effort with three takeaways and a series of splash plays that tilted the game in the home team's favor, the Jaguars earned a gritty victory that validated the team's hard work throughout training camp.

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TREVOR'S TIME

Despite a pedestrian stat line that drew the ire of fantasy football fans around the country, Lawrence managed the game like a trusted pro. The former No.1 overall selection played with the confidence, poise and command of a seasoned vet with a championship pedigree. Lawrence effectively ran the show from the line of scrimmage, getting the Jaguars into the optimal play with pre-snap audibles and adjustments. The fifth-year pro's command of the offense was reflected in his decisiveness in pivotal moments. Though his throws did not always hit the mark, Lawrence did not flinch, making aggressive throws to his primary targets down the field. Considering how franchise quarterbacks are expected to do what it takes to lead their teams to victory, the Jaguars' QB1 deserves a round of applause for his work in the season opener.

UNSUNG HEROES

The Jaguars' decision to start Eric Murray and Andrew Wingard at safety turned out to be a wise one based on the solid overall play of the veteran duo. As disciplined technicians with superb communication skills, the tandem took turns directing traffic in the defensive backfield to ensure everyone understood the play calls and potential adjustments. Moreover, the veterans' stellar communication resulted in fewer blown assignments or coverage busts that led to big plays. With Murray and Wingard also setting the tone with bone-jarring tackles and timely plays on the ball, the Jaguars' defense flexed its muscles on the Panthers.

OFFENSIVELY SPEAKING

The Jaguars' performance was far from perfect, but its style matched the brand of ball Coen has promoted since his introductory press conference. From the commitment to the running game (32 carries for 200 yards and a score) to Lawrence's mastery of the scheme and command of the game, the offense teased the home crowd with some of its dominant flashes when the unit is clicking in on all cylinders. Though the Jaguars need to unlock wide receivers Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter as game-breaking threats, the offense's superior talent and creative scheme could create problems for opponents unable to match up on the perimeter.

DEFENSIVELY SPEAKING

So far, so good for the Jaguars' much-maligned defense. Defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile deserves kudos for getting the defense going with a simplistic game plan that enabled it to play fast and free on the perimeter. By sticking to a plan designed to create turnovers and negative plays with a "vision and break" scheme that puts defenders in positions to make plays on the ball or attack the quarterback, the Jaguars were selectively aggressive with the pressure package to create chaos at pivotal moments. By keeping Carolina quarterback Bryce Young guessing on "money" downs, the Jaguars harassed the former No. 1 overall pick and disrupted the rhythm and flow of the Panthers' offense.