JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jaguars ended their four-game losing streak in emphatic fashion, shutting out the Carolina Panthers 26-0. This decisive victory sets up a critical regular-season finale against Tennessee, with the AFC South title hanging in the balance.
Backup quarterback C.J. Beathard, starting in place of the injured Trevor Lawrence, led the Jaguars to their first December win. Beathard completed 17 of 24 passes for 178 yards, guiding the offense effectively and avoiding turnovers, a key issue during the team’s recent skid.
Running back Travis Etienne was a standout performer, scoring twice, including on the longest run of his professional career. He reached a career milestone by becoming the Jaguars’ first player since Maurice Jones-Drew in 2009 with at least 10 rushing touchdowns in a season.
Tight end Evan Engram also etched his name in the record books, becoming the eighth tight end in NFL history to catch at least 100 passes in a regular season. His performance against the Panthers, totaling six catches for 60 yards, brought his season tally to 104.
Josh Allen set a new franchise record for single-season sacks, surpassing Calais Campbell’s previous mark set in 2017. Allen’s three sacks in the game, including two against Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, brought his season total to a record-breaking number.
For the Panthers (2-14), the loss was another low point in a difficult season. They were held scoreless for the first time since 2002 and dropped to 0-9 on the road. Owner David Tepper’s apparent frustration was evident, with reports of him throwing a drink into the crowd near the end of the game.
Young struggled against the Jaguars’ defense, completing 19 of 32 passes for 112 yards with an interception and six sacks. The Panthers faced additional challenges with kicker Eddy Pineiro injured in pregame warmups, leading to linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill handling kickoff duties.
The Jaguars’ victory (9-7) not only ended their losing streak but also kept their playoff hopes alive. They can clinch the AFC South with a win over Tennessee in their final game. A loss would see the division title go to the winner of the Houston-Indianapolis matchup.
Injuries were a concern for both teams. The Panthers lost linebacker Marquis Haynes to a concussion and center Cade Mays to a finger injury. The Jaguars’ wide receiver Jamal Agnew suffered an ankle injury.
Looking ahead, the Panthers will conclude their season at home against Tampa Bay, while the Jaguars face a crucial game at Tennessee with postseason implications.
