Blake Bortles looks to improve in his second NFL season (Getty).
The Jaguars open Everbank Field for 2015 when the Panthers make the trip to Jacksonville. This is a big season for coach Gus Bradley and his Jaguars, who are in the process of turning their franchise around. Across the sidelines will be coach Ron Rivera and QB Cam Newton, who signed a major contract extension this offseason.
For Jacksonville QB Blake Bortles, Sunday will be his first chance to show he’s made strides since his rookie season. Bortles made his first start in Week Four of 2014, and finished the season with a 3-10 record. With new weapons like T.J. Yeldon and Julius Thomas, Bortles is hoping to improve his record as a starter in his sophomore season.
Game Info
Cam Newton will have less talent around him than usual this season (Getty).
Line: Carolina (-3)
Moneyline: Carolina (-170), Jacksonville (+150)
Over/Under: 41
What To Watch For
Sen’Derrick Marks will get extra help up front this season (Getty).
Cam Newton signed a new contract worth $118 million this offseason, a big vote of confidence from the Panthers brass. Now in his fifth season, Newton faces his biggest challenge yet.
After the loss of Kelvin Benjamin, the Panthers are severely lacking on the outsides. They’ll get experience from veterans Jerricho Cotchery and Ted Ginn Jr., but will need rookies Corey Brown (Ohio St.) and Devin Funchess (Michigan) to develop quickly.
Jacksonville may not be thought of highly, but expect them to pressure Newton on Sunday. The Jags signed free agent end Jared Odrick this summer, who should have his best season yet. The former Dolphin will be playing alongside Sen’Derrick Marks, who should occupy plenty of space in the middle to free him up.
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