Carolina Panthers Lose Season Opener Jaguars 26-10, Offensive Defensive Struggles Persist

The Carolina Panthers' 26-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2025 season opener continued a troubling pattern for the franchise, marking their third straight disappointing Week 1 performance with limited offensive production and defensive struggles, including allowing 200 rushing yards. Rookie quarterback Bryce Young, who has now fallen to 6-23 as an NFL starter, struggled again despite some promise shown by rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, highlighting ongoing challenges in offensive execution and missed opportunities. Owner David Tepper, despite his wealth, has overseen a significant decline in the team's success since acquiring the Panthers in 2018, with the team posting one of the worst records in the league and cycling through multiple head coaches. The Panthers’ season-opening woes are part of a larger historical trend, with an 11-19 record in Week 1 games and three consecutive opening weekend losses, contributing to concerns about the team's ability to start seasons strongly. Defensively, the Panthers have continued to show vulnerabilities across all units, including pass rush, run defense, linebackers, and secondary, which has compounded their issues and hindered their competitiveness. While some individual players, including rookies, have shown flashes of potential, the team's overall performance reflects deep-rooted problems that have persisted despite efforts to rebuild and develop young talent.