Trevor Lawrence shines as Jaguars cruise past Browns 34-10 in season opener.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Trevor Lawrence wasted little time reminding the NFL why expectations are so high around the Jacksonville Jaguars this season. Lawrence threw four touchdown passes, completed 18 of 23 attempts for 245 yards and posted a career-best 150.6 passer rating as Jacksonville rolled past the Cleveland Browns 34-10 on Sunday at EverBank Stadium. The Jaguars scored on six of their first seven possessions, turning the season opener into a one-sided affair and giving new Browns coach Todd Monken a difficult introduction to Cleveland's rebuilding effort. Jacksonville's offense repeatedly found open receivers, with Lawrence connecting with Parker Washington, rookie Josh Cameron, Brenton Strange and Jakobi Meyers for touchdowns. “It was a great first step for where we're trying to get to,” Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen said. Lawrence's first touchdown went to Washington, who made a diving grab before flashing a “pay me” message toward the crowd. Washington is entering the final year of his contract and remains in negotiations with the Jaguars. The performance continued what was a strong finish to Lawrence's 2025 campaign. Under coach Liam Coen, the quarterback helped guide Jacksonville to the AFC South title and emerged as one of the league's better performers down the stretch. The Jaguars entered the season with legitimate postseason expectations, including hopes of making a deep playoff run. Sunday's opener provided an early indication of why.
“It was awesome,” Lawrence said. “Guys were ready to play.”
Browns struggle to find answers
Cleveland couldn't keep pace offensively and had difficulty protecting Deshaun Watson, who was making his first start in nearly two years. Watson's afternoon got off to a rough start when he threw an interception on Cleveland's opening possession. He was also sacked five times and absorbed several additional hits as Jacksonville's defense consistently pressured him. The Browns managed only 272 total yards and converted just one of eight third-down opportunities. They also came away without a touchdown on two trips inside the red zone until Watson found Denzel Boston for a 46-yard touchdown with 1:52 remaining. Cleveland's problems extended beyond its offense. The Browns committed 11 penalties for 75 yards, while rookie receiver KC Concepcion Jr. also lost a fumble. “We did exactly what we wanted to start the game,” Monken said. “We're going to try to put them on their heels and then we turn it over. And then we couldn't get a first down to get our defense off the field. That is a recipe to get run out of the arena.” Watson had previously dominated Jacksonville, winning all seven of his career starts against the Jaguars. That streak ended decisively Sunday.
The Browns' biggest positive play came in the third quarter, when rookie running back Raheim Sanders returned a kickoff 74 yards to set up a 26-yard field goal.
Jacksonville controls the game
The Jaguars' defense benefited from playing with an early lead and kept Cleveland from establishing any consistent rhythm. Jacksonville entered the season facing increased expectations after winning the AFC South last year, and Lawrence's performance provided a strong start to the team's attempt to build on that success. The Jaguars also got encouraging news from their offensive line. Right tackle Cole Van Lanen returned to the field eight months after undergoing knee surgery. Van Lanen, who suffered a ligament injury in Jacksonville's regular-season finale last year, started Sunday's game and played the first half before giving way to Walker Little.
Injury updates
Browns: Running back Dylan Sampson was ruled out in the first half with a knee injury. Left guard Zion Johnson suffered a left knee injury but later returned. Jaguars: Defensive end B.J. Green was ruled out at halftime with an elbow injury. Wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. briefly left with a shoulder injury in the second quarter but returned for the final series of the first half.
What's next
The Browns will look to bounce back next Sunday when they travel to Tampa Bay.
Jacksonville faces a much tougher test on the road next week, traveling to Denver to take on the Broncos.
