Liam Coen Praises Jaguars' Breakout Player in Week 1

Several players had statement games in the Jaguars' win against the Carolina Panthers, but one in particular caught a lot of eyes, including Liam Coen's.

Sep 7, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen stands on the sidelines during the second half of a game against the Carolina Panthers at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images | Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

The Jacksonville Jaguars got a flurry of terrific performances in their season opener against the Carolina Panthers. Several players, both old and new, helped lead the way to a 26-10 debut win to launch the team's next era.

Travis Hunter Jr. was probably the most anticipated offensive member of the Jags, and he didn't disappoint, with six catches for 33 yards and played multiple snaps on the other side of the ball, too.

In terms of returners, Travis Etienne Jr. had the most encouraging performance, beginning his renaissance season with 156 yards from scrimmage on 19 touches.

He's not the only Jaguars veteran who had a breakout game, though. A few different players in Jacksonville were viewed as sleepers for this 2025 season, including tight end Brenton Strange. He showed exactly why in the Week 1 trouncing of the Panthers.

Sep 7, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange (85) is tackled by Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn (8) and safety Lathan Ransom (22) during the first half at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Brenton Strange has arrived

The Jacksonville Jaguars originally took Brenton Strange in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, enamored with the potential he showed in his time with the Penn State Nittany Lions. However, he began his professional career stuck behind Evan Engram, who had emerged as a consistent downfield weapon for quarterback Trevor Lawrence in the passing game at tight end.

However, with Engram moving on to the Denver Broncos this past offseason, that opened the door for Strange to prove that he should be a featured member of this offense. He did just that in Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers, grabbing all four of his targets for 59 yards receiving.

Sep 7, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange (85) takes the field prior to a game against the Carolina Panthers at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Strange earns high praise

He impacted the game well beyond his counting stats, though. Head Coach Liam Coen spoke on that:

"Yeah, he played his tail off. I mean, he did. He was physical in the run game, was explosive when he had the ball in his hands, made a couple good catches, but his ability to be able to [be effective], whether it's at the point of attack or slicing across the formation, he plays violently and he helps set the tone for our offense to be able to go and run the football whether you're run at the tight end or run away from the tight end."

When we said "Brenton Strange was created in a lab to block" this ia what we're talking about 💪 #Jaguars #Duuuval https://t.co/FtBbeEMwmg pic.twitter.com/wFLg1eU7tQ

— 𝕋𝕣𝕒𝕧𝕚𝕤 🅓. ℍ𝕠𝕝𝕞𝕖𝕤 (@TravisDHolmes) September 8, 2025

"He's physical and he finishes, he strains, everybody sees it, and they all have kind of seen it all throughout this whole training camp is his physicality and playing the game the right way. So was really pleased with the way that he performed on Sunday and looked to continue to build off that.”

The Jaguars' lone passing touchdown of the night went to backup tight end Hunter Long. It won't be surprising to see Strange on the receiving end of quite a few balls in the end zone down the stretch.

Find us on X (Twitter) @JaguarsOnSI and @_John_Shipley to follow along with Brenton Strange's breakout season.

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