The Jaguars had no trouble spoiling head coach Todd Monken’s debut and quarterback Deshaun Watson’s first game since 2024.
Jacksonville steamrolled Cleveland, 34-10, to open the 2026 season 1-0.
The Jags scored on each of their first four possessions in the first half, taking a 24-0 lead into the break. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence had three touchdown passes in the first 30 minutes, adding another to cap Jacksonville’s first drive of the third quarter for a 31-0 lead.
Lawrence finished 18-of-23 for 245 yards with four touchdowns. With the Jags up big, Nick Mullens came in to relieve Lawrence with 8:12 left in the fourth quarter.
Parker Washington, JaKobi Meyers, Brenton Strange, and rookie Josh Cameron were the recipients of Lawrence’s four TD passes.
Running back Bhayshul Tuten did a nice job toting the rock, finishing the contest with…
Before Lawrence was taken out of the game, the Jaguars were averaging 7.2 yards per play.
On the other side, it started ugly for Watson and continued that way throughout the afternoon. He threw an interception to Foyesade Oluokun to end Cleveland’s opening drive. He threw another near interception that was dropped at the end of the Browns’ second possession. He was then strip-sacked, but recovered the fumble.
Rookie KC Concepcion also had a fumble that led to a Jaguars touchdown. He finished with four receptions for 43 yards, which led Cleveland. He also had three carries for 15 yards.
The positive play from Watson came right at the end of the game, as he fired a 46-yard touchdown pass to rookie Denzel Boston for the first score of the wideout’s career.
The Jaguars have now won nine consecutive regular-season games, dating back to Week 11 of last season. They will be on the road to face the Broncos in Week 2.
At 0-1, Cleveland will be back in Florida next week to face Tampa Bay, a matchup that will see Deshaun Watson face Baker Mayfield — that is, if Watson isn’t replaced by then.
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