Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) looks for a receiver as Carolina Panthers defensive end Mario Addison (97) puts on pressure during the first half of an NFL football game in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, September 13, 2015. The Panthers defeated the Jaguars 20-9.
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But the opening three-and-outs and red zone fumble by receiver Allen Hurns had been nearly overcome.
“It wasn’t what they did to us, but it was what we did to ourselves”, Bortles said.
ESPN reported that the two-time Pro Bowler staggered a step and fell backward when attempting to tackle T.J. Yeldon after a short reception by the rookie running back. It should be a competitive game between two teams who are trying to prove they are the biggest cats on the block, and depending on how the ball bounces this game could go either way. “We have to direct our attention to today and get our team learning from what took place in the game and where we need to move forward”. While there wasn’t much excitement in Jacksonville after the loss, there were still a few positive things to take away from the game that could give Jaguars’ fans hope for the future.
Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers is seen in this file photo. In the receiving end, Kevin Norwood had 40 yards in two receptions while Marcus Lucas added 37 yards and a touchdown in two catches.
“I think he feels comfortable with the offense because he was in a similar run scheme at Alabama”, Jacksonville offensive coordinator Greg Olson said, “so some of those plays have been transferred over”.
“The feeling right now is uncomfortable in our locker room”, Jaguars coach Gus Bradley said.
“A lot of good things happen when you win the takeaway battle”, Carolina coach Ron Rivera said.
Jaguars.com’s John Oehser’s “Day After” piece states the offensive line had a tough first game, and the five sacks on quarterback Blake Bortles are the inconclusive evidence of that. To start, kicker Jason Myers left 4 points on the board by way of a missed field goal and extra point. The Jaguars dropped four passes, none bigger than one inside the 5-yard line by Rashad Greene. He was sacked twice but escaped several other close calls and finished with 35 yards rushing. We’re going to go through the protocol the way it’s designed. Jaguars LT Luke Joeckel injured his left ankle late in the first half and did not return. Yeldon played in only one preseason game due to injuries, and in his first regular season game he gained but 51 yards in 12 carries. Bortles now has thrown five pick-sixes in 14 career starts.
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Carolina’s offense was paced through the air by Ted Ginn Jr. and Jerricho Cotchery, and that’s not a reassuring statement.
