Jaguars Defeat Browns 34-10 in Season Opener

The Jacksonville Jaguars opened the 2026 NFL season with a 34-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns on the road. Jacksonville, which finished the previous year with a 13-4 record and an AFC South title, controlled the game from start to finish, while Cleveland, entering the season with a new coaching staff and several roster additions, was unable to match the Jaguars' performance.

Cleveland's special teams saw a bright spot in kickoff returner Raheim Sanders, who recorded three returns for 130 yards, including a 74-yard return in the third quarter. Linebacker Carson Schwesinger led the Browns with ten tackles, and rookie wide receiver Denzel Boston contributed a 59-yard reception for a touchdown. Kicker Andre Szmyt was perfect on his sole field goal and extra point attempt.

The Browns' offense struggled, converting only one of eight third-down attempts and committing multiple penalties that stalled drives. Quarterback Deshaun Watson threw an early interception that led to a Jaguars touchdown and later fumbled, limiting Cleveland to just 14 first downs and 87 rushing yards. The offensive line allowed five sacks, and the team finished the game with 11 penalties for 75 yards.

Defensively, Cleveland could not contain Jacksonville's passing attack. Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence completed numerous intermediate and long throws, connecting with multiple receivers for significant gains and two touchdowns. The Browns' secondary, including cornerback Myles Harden, was unable to prevent completions, and the pass defense, which ranked third in the league last season, appeared ineffective.

Jacksonville's defense contributed with a sack by defensive tackle Mason Graham and solid run support, while defensive end Jared Verse recorded four tackles. The win positions the Jaguars strongly heading into the rest of the season, whereas the Browns will look to address offensive and defensive shortcomings after a disappointing start.