The Jacksonville Jaguars will open the 2026 regular season against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday at EverBank Stadium, with the running game and secondary among the team’s primary areas of focus. Jacksonville enters the season as the 2025 AFC South champion and will return to regular-season play after a playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills last season.
The Jaguars want to run more consistently after the ground game faded late in 2025. Jacksonville added running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. and is counting on the development of Bhayshul Tuten after losing 2025 leading rusher Travis Etienne Jr. in free agency. The team also wants to improve its first-down success, stay ahead of the chains and expand the playbook.
Jacksonville Jaguars look to re-establish running game
Trevor Lawrence and the passing game helped Jacksonville continue winning when the rushing attack struggled. The Jaguars now believe a more consistent running game can make the offense more efficient and support a more physical approach against Cleveland.
The offensive line will feature several position changes. Anton Harrison moved from right tackle to left tackle during training camp, while Ezra Cleveland moved from left guard to right guard. Cole Van Lanen or Walker Little will start at right tackle Sunday.
Jacksonville Jaguars secondary faces Cleveland Browns matchup
Safety Antonio Johnson has developed into one of the NFL’s better players at his position, according to the source, while cornerback Travis Hunter is expected to improve Jacksonville’s coverage. The Jaguars will face Cleveland cornerbacks Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell, creating a notable matchup for Lawrence and the Jacksonville passing game.
“A lot of respect for those guys. Those guys are good players. We got good players too. They know that we’re going to throw at them, that we’re going to get opportunities to go at them and we got to make them count,” Lawrence said.
Wide receiver Parker Washington could have a prominent role from the slot when Jacksonville uses three receivers. The Jaguars will still look for opportunities outside, but Cleveland’s cornerback duo will challenge the offense throughout the game.
Jared Verse presents pass-rush challenge
Jacksonville also must account for Cleveland defensive end Jared Verse, who recorded one sack and two quarterback hits against the Jaguars in Week 7 in London last season. Liam Coen described Verse as a player with “a relentless motor” who is strong, rangy, slippery and crafty. The Jaguars will look for ways to limit his impact on Lawrence.
Jacksonville’s offensive coordinator is Grant Udinski, while Anthony Campanile coordinates the defense. Cleveland’s defense will operate under first-year coordinator Mike Rutenberg, leaving questions about the exact style the Browns will use in Week 1.
Jacksonville Jaguars prepare for Deshaun Watson
The Jaguars’ defense must also account for Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson. Watson passed for 186 yards with no touchdowns and ran for 20 yards in the Browns’ 18-13 victory over Jacksonville in September 2024.
Jacksonville held practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026, as the team prepared for Sunday’s opener. The Jaguars will host the Browns at EverBank Stadium in Week 1.
Source: Original report