C.J. Beathard, quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars, made his first start since 2020 in a pivotal game against the 2-13 Carolina Panthers. The Jaguars, with an 8-7 record, are in a three-way tie with the Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts for the lead in the AFC South. A win in their final two games against the Panthers and the Tennessee Titans is necessary for the Jaguars to clinch the division title, but any loss could cost them the crown. Beathard's impressive opening drive in the game was stopped by Brian Burns' seventh sack of the season on third down, leading the Jaguars to settle for a 35-yard field goal by Brandon McManus. This marked the Jaguars' first lead since their December 4th game against the Bengals. They extended their lead to 6-0 with another McManus field goal from 26 yards. Beathard's cautious play, avoiding bad plays and turnovers, is essential for the Jaguars' chances to win.
#Jaguars 2nd drive stalls in red zone, settle for 26-yard FG by McManus for 6-0 lead. Beathard done nice job playing clean and steering clear of bad plays. If Jags avoid multiple turnovers, they should win this game.
Panthers hanging around here after forcing another Brandon McManus field goal. Jags up 6-0 midway through the 2Q.
Jags drive 12 plays, forced to settle for another field goal. Bending, not breaking, etc. Jags 6-0.
End 1Q: #Jaguars lead 3-0, will have 3rd-and-4 at own 49 to start 2nd.
In Jacksonville, the Jaguars lead the Panthers 3-0, for those curious.
Impressive opening drive by Beathard, gets stalled on 3rd-down sack by Brian Burns. McManus 35-yd FG gives #Jaguars 3-0 lead, the first time they've led since 28-21 in fourth quarter against @bengals on Dec. 4.
Big sack from Brian Burns. Right after a clutch QB pressure the play before. Comes off the field a bit gimpy, though. That stops the Jaguars' first drive; Jacksonville settles for FG. 3-0, Jaguars lead the Panthers.
Brandon McManus makes a 35-yard field goal following the sack by Burns. Jaguars lead 3-0 to start the game. #Panthers
Brian Burns talked about not having a lot of opportunities in obvious passing situations. Got one there and came up with his seventh sack to force a Jags FG. 3-0.
Brian Burns sacks Jags QB CJ Beathard on third down, forces Jags to settle for a game-opening field goal. Jags 3-0.
#Panthers win toss, defer to 2nd half. #Jaguars get ball first with C.J. Beathard starting at QB. Fans will be paying more attention to scoreboard today with Colts and Texans both playing 1 p.m. games.
First Jaguars game I’ve been to since I lived in Jacksonville as a kid, and it’s CJ Beathard against the 2-13 Panthers. 😬 Let’s Jaguar football! https://t.co/T5gMuEWsjW
C.J. Beathard will make his 1st start since 2020 in a big game for 8-7 Jaguars. They are in a 3-way tie atop AFC South with Texans and Colts. JAX wins the division if they win their final two games (CAR, at TENN) but 1 loss could cost them the crown. https://t.co/CduIlBmAIv
C.J. Beathard will make his 1st start since 2020 in a big game for 8-7 Jaguars. They are in a 3-way tie atop AFC South with Texans and Titans. JAX wins the division if they win their final two games (CAR, at TENN) but 1 loss could cost them the crown. https://t.co/CduIlBm2SX