Carolina quarterback Bryce Young delivered a markedly better performance in his second preseason appearance, guiding the Panthers to a 34-17 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday night. Young completed five of six passes for 49 yards and orchestrated a 58‑yard scoring drive that resulted in a one‑yard touchdown run by Jonathon Brooks.
Key offensive highlights
The Panthers opened the game with a sustained drive that featured five first‑downs, a stark contrast to Young’s limited production against the Buffalo Bills in the previous preseason contest. After the early score, running back A.J. Dillon added a rushing touchdown, while receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. showcased his speed with a 39‑yard end‑around, a 29‑yard kickoff return, and a 15‑yard reception.
“For us as a team, an identity, it was definitely a step in the right direction,” Young said after the game. “You don’t want to get too high, too low. Figure out how we can replicate the good, and there’s plenty of stuff to learn from.” Panthers coach Dave Canales echoed the sentiment, noting that the offense finally looked like the unit he has seen in practice.
Defensive and special teams notes
Jacksonville struggled with discipline, committing nine penalties in the first half and turning the ball over twice. The Jaguars also rested most of their starters for the second straight week, opting not to play quarterback Trevor Lawrence or two‑way star Travis Hunter in this exhibition.
On the Panthers’ side, several projected starters sat out, including defensive end Derrick Brown, cornerback Jaycee Horn, running back Chuba Hubbard, receiver Xavier Legette, and linebacker Devin Lloyd. Their absence was part of a broader roster management strategy as the team prepares for the regular season.
Jaguars’ backup performance
Backup quarterback Nick Mullens, who struggled in his previous outing, improved his numbers, completing six of seven passes for 65 yards and leading a 71‑yard drive that ended with a field goal. Mullens’ performance may ease concerns about depth at the quarterback position for Jacksonville.
Individual standouts
Veteran running back Ameer Abdullah, a 12‑year NFL player competing for a roster spot, amassed 82 total yards—45 rushing on six carries, including a 23‑yard burst, and 37 receiving yards on three catches. His effort was praised by Jaguars coach Liam Coen as the type of “pro’s pro” play the team values.
Panthers rookie receiver Roc Taylor, signed earlier this month, made a memorable catch—a 16‑yard touchdown pass from Kenny Pickett—earning him the game’s highlight play. Taylor celebrated the score with a light‑hearted dance in the end zone.
Looking ahead
With the Panthers now 2‑1 in preseason play, coach Canales indicated that the team may rest Young and other starters in the final exhibition game next week. The Jaguars, now 1‑1, will also hold out most of their first‑team players as they prepare for the regular season.
Both clubs will host their next preseason matchups on Friday: the Panthers will travel to Houston, while the Jaguars will face Tampa Bay.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
