For the Carolina Panthers, the Week 1 clash against the Jacksonville Jaguars is more than just a football game, it’s a test of progress. After a poor 2024 campaign, every player on the Panthers has something to prove, but the weight of the team’s success rests disproportionately on a few key individuals. The outcome in Jacksonville will be defined by how these five players perform under pressure and whether they can elevate the rest of the roster around them.
Carolina Panthers: Ranking the Most Important Players in Week 1
5. Tetairoa McMillan (WR)
The Panthers’ first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Tetairoa McMillan, has been thrust into a primary receiving role due to offseason personnel changes. The rookie will need to prove he can handle the responsibilities and provide a reliable big-play threat for Bryce Young right out of the gate. McMillan is known for his size and ability to win contested catches, a skill set that could be a valuable asset for a quarterback who has struggled with accuracy.
The Jaguars’ defense has also had issues against the pass in the past, and McMillan could find himself in a favorable matchup against their secondary. His ability to create separation and make plays downfield will stretch the Jaguars’ defense and prevent them from keying in on Chuba Hubbard. A strong debut from McMillan could quickly establish him as a go-to target for Young and inject some much-needed explosiveness into the Panthers’ passing game.
4. Ikem Ekwonu (OT)
In a surprising pre-game twist, starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu underwent an emergency appendectomy just days before the opener. While the Panthers listed him as “day-to-day,” his status for Sunday’s game is highly uncertain. If he plays, his health and stamina will be closely watched. If he is out or limited, it’s a massive blow to the offensive line and a significant point of concern for protecting Young’s blind side.
Ekwonu has been a consistent presence on the Panthers’ offensive line since being drafted in 2022 and has been one of the unit’s more reliable pass-protectors. His performance, whether at full strength or compromised, will directly impact Young’s ability to operate the offense effectively. If he struggles or is replaced by a less experienced player, the Jaguars’ talented pass rush could exploit the weakness, leading to pressure, sacks, and turnovers.
3. Jaycee Horn (CB)
The Panthers’ defense ranked among the worst in the league last season, but a healthy Jaycee Horn has the potential to shut down one side of the field. Horn is an elite physical cornerback that Carolina will rely on heavily this season. His presence allows the defensive coaching staff to get more creative with their coverages and brings a level of lockdown ability that the Panthers sorely lack whenever he’s not available.
Horn may be tasked with shadowing Jaguars’ rookie wide receiver and Biletnikoff winner Travis Hunter, a marquee matchup that could decide the game. A stellar performance from Horn against one of the league’s most hyped young playmakers would be a huge boost of confidence for the entire defense. Horn’s ability to prevent big plays and create turnovers will be essential for the Panthers to contain Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars’ new-look offense. Whether Horn lines up against Hunter or Brian Thomas Jr., it will be a tough challenge all day.
2. Chuba Hubbard (RB)
While Young’s development is critical, the foundation of the Panthers’ offensive attack is expected to be the running game, centered around Hubbard. The veteran running back enjoyed a career season in 2024, running for nearly 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns. His reliable production and effectiveness as a pass-catcher are crucial for taking pressure off Young and controlling the pace of the game.
The Panthers return all five starters on their offensive line, and the coaching staff will likely lean on this unit’s strength to establish the run early against a Jaguars front that struggled against the ground game last season. Hubbard’s ability to find running lanes and grind out tough yards will be a major detriment to Carolina’s offensive rhythm. His reliability, both on the ground and catching passes out of the backfield, will be essential for keeping the Panthers’ offense on schedule and creating more favorable down-and-distance situations.
1. Bryce Young (QB)
At the top of the list, and by a considerable margin, is the quarterback Young. The former No. 1 overall pick enters his third professional season under immense scrutiny after a deeply disappointing start to his career. With head coach Dave Canales implementing a more quarterback-friendly, balanced offensive system in his first season in charge, the excuses for poor performance are gone for the duo’s second season together. Young’s ability to operate this offense will be the single biggest factor in the Panthers’ success.
The Jaguars’ defense, led by formidable edge rusher Josh Allen, will test Young early and often. He must show poise in the pocket, deliver accurate passes to his revamped receiving corps, and, most importantly, avoid costly turnovers. A strong outing would be a massive step toward validating his draft status and proving that his hot stretch to end the 2024 season was no fluke. Another rough start would restart the doubts that have plagued his young career. If Young and the other players mentioned perform well, then Carolina is certainly a candidate to pull off the upset.
Main Image: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
