Second-Half Surge Decides Outcome
The Carolina Panthers established an insurmountable advantage during the second quarter, outscoring the Jacksonville Jaguars 14-3 in that frame to build a 20-6 lead they would never relinquish. Visiting at EverBank Stadium before a crowd of 58,316 on Friday, August 21, 2026, the Panthers (2-1) dismantled the home Jaguars (1-1) in a 34-17 victory.
The game’s trajectory shifted decisively after Ryan Fitzgerald extended Carolina’s lead with a 48-yard field goal, setting the stage for a dominant performance from the Panthers’ offense in the latter half of the first half.
Offense Dominates Early
Carolina struck first in the opening period when Jonathon Brooks rushed for a one-yard touchdown, followed by a Ryan Fitzgerald kick. Jacksonville answered with a 34-yard field goal from Cam Little to make it 7-3. However, the momentum swung firmly to the visitors in the second quarter.
Fitzgerald added a 48-yard field goal, and AJ Dillon capped the period with a seven-yard rushing touchdown and subsequent kick, pushing the score to 17-3. Little reduced the deficit with another 34-yard field goal, but Fitzgerald hit from 61 yards out to seal the second quarter with a 20-6 lead.
The Panthers’ ability to convert drives into points during this stretch proved critical, as they scored 13 points in the second quarter compared to Jacksonville’s three.
