Panthers Blanked by Jaguars, 26-0
JACKSONVILLE, FL - For the first time since 2002, the Carolina Panthers were held scoreless as the Jacksonville Jaguars snapped their four-game losing skid to defeat the visiting Panthers 26-0.
Carolina's offense had arguably its worst performance of the year which is disappointing after the show rookie QB Bryce Young put on last week in the high-scoring affair against Green Bay.
Before the game, kicker Eddy Pineiro tweaked his hamstring which meant the Panthers were not going to be able to kick field goals unless they reached the 25 which would be the edge of Johnny Hekker's range.
Interim head coach Chris Tabor didn't have to make many difficult decisions to go for it and pass on field goal attempts considering the Panthers rarely worked the ball that deep into Jacksonville territory.
C.J. Beathard had a clean day filling in as the starting QB for the Jaguars, completing 17-of-24 passes for 178 yards. The Jaguars will aim to clinch the AFC South division next week when they take on Tennessee.
Best of the Game: Brian Burns
It had been over a month since Burns registered a sack but that drought came to an end today. Burns was very active, totaling eight tackles, two tackles for loss, two QB hits, and one sack.
Worst of the Game: Offensive line
Really, we could pin this on the entire offense. Carolina's run game took too long to get going and DJ Chark dropped a few passes, but this one is on the big guys up front. Bryce Young got hit time and time again and at one point in the first half, laid on the field holding his back. Young went to the medical tent to get checked out but returned without missing a snap. Ikem Ekwonu had an atrocious day, giving up a couple of sacks and several pressures.
Stat of the Game: Three and outs
The Panthers put together a solid opening drive which lasted 13 plays. Carolina had to go for it on 4th & 7 because of Piniero's injury and failed to convert. Following that series, the Panthers went three and out on six consecutive possessions.
Next up: Panthers vs. Buccaneers, Jan. 7.
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