Carolina PanthersvsJacksonville Jaguars
CAR 34/JAX 17
Things to say
The Carolina Panthers beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 34-17 on the road at EverBank Stadium.
01
opener
Carolina went into Jacksonville and rolled, 34-17. It was 20-6 at the half and the Jags never really threatened. Panthers controlled the line of scrimmage all night.
02
key player
Kenny Pickett looked sharp, 15-of-25 for 137 and a touchdown. Nothing flashy, just moved the ball and took what the defense gave him.
03
hot take
Jacksonville's defense couldn't get off the field. You give up 34 at home, that's not a scheme problem, that's an effort problem.
04
deep cut
Ryan Fitzgerald drilled a 61-yarder to end the half. Guy's got a leg, and that swing is what really buried the Jags before the break.
05
exit
Anyway, Panthers are 2-1 and rolling. Curious to see if that carries over next week.
The recap
Carolina rolled into Jacksonville and never really let this one get competitive, building a 27-6 lead by halftime and cruising to a 34-17 win. Ryan Fitzgerald was money all night, drilling everything including a 61-yarder as time expired in the half, and the passing game spread the love around with Kenny Pickett and Kyle Trask both throwing touchdowns.
Jacksonville couldn't move the ball until the outcome was long decided — Joey Aguilar's late strike to Trebor Pena was pure garbage time. Carolina covered easily and controlled the line of scrimmage from the opening whistle.