Carolina Panthers Week 5 grades vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Carolina Panthers extend winning streak with running game and takeaways.

The Carolina Panthers (3-2) secured a third-straight victory by defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-3) 34-27, despite playing another game without their franchise quarterback and numerous other starters. Injuries have depleted the roster from top to bottom and on both sides of the football but those who remain are proving they too can get it done.

Backup quarterback Kyle Allen was far from mirroring his four touchdown debut three weeks ago in Arizona but he didn’t turn the ball over and played well enough to secure a win. Helped by a defense that forced three takeaways, including a Brian Burns 56-yard fumble return for a touchdown, Carolina earned their first home victory in nearly a full calendar year.

Running back Christian McCaffrey provided plenty of firepower early for the Panthers, scoring his first of three touchdowns on the opening drive. Taking an early 21-7 lead, Carolina forced Jacksonville to play from behind all game and benefited from big plays on both offense and defense.

Next week the Panthers take their first-ever trip across the Atlantic to play in London versus divisional rival Tampa Bay. After suffering a home loss earlier in the season, another win would help not only maintain momentum heading into the bye week but also in the standings.