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 Thursday, September 16
Baxter Bits: Jaguars vs. Panthers
 
By Russell S. Baxter
Special to ESPN.com

 The Jaguars make their first-ever regular-season appearance at Carolina.

The Jaguars posted a 24-14 home victory in 1996 in the only previous regular-season battle between the clubs.

Numbers: Including playoffs, the Jaguars have forced 35 turnovers in 13 wins, 6 turnovers in 6 losses dating back to '98.

The Panthers have allowed 384 points and 43 offensive touchdowns in 16 home games since 1997 (4-12) after giving up just 97 points and 9 offensive TDs in 9 games (9-0) at Ericsson Stadium (including playoffs) in '96. Carolina has committed 77 turnovers in their last 33 games (11-22) dating back to '97, totaling 15 turnovers in 11 wins and 62 turnovers in 22 losses. The Panthers have amassed 26 takeaways in 11 wins, 28 takeaways in 22 losses dating back to '97. They have allowed 131 points in 11 wins, 615 points in 22 losses dating back to '97. In 32 regular-season games with Carolina (1996, 1998-99), OLB Kevin Greene has totaled 30.5 sacks (14.5 in '96, 15.0 in '98, 1.0 in '99).

Things To Look For: No doubt Tom Coughlin and his revitalized Jaguars, fresh off their surprising and impressive embarrassment of the 49ers, will get a chance to thank the Panthers personally for firing Dom Capers, for it's apparent that Carolina's loss is Jacksonville's gain. And given the state of George Seifert's team, it could be another frustrating day for a Carolina franchise in dire need of young bodies.

Etc.: The Jaguars are 28-10 in their last 38 regular-season games (31-13, including playoffs) dating back to 1996, this after managing just an 8-19 record in their first 27 contests dating back to their debut season in 1995. They are 8-9 lifetime vs. NFC teams (1-0 in '99) dating back to 1995.

The Panthers are 11-22 in their last 33 games (1997-99) after finishing 12-4 and winning the NFC West title in 1996. Including playoffs, the Panthers are 31-36 in their 67-game history (1995-99), 17-16 vs. the NFC West and 14-20 against the rest of the NFL. Including playoffs, the Panthers are 13-12 lifetime at Ericsson Stadium dating back to '97. The Panthers are 9-7 lifetime vs. AFC teams (1-3 in '98) dating back to 1995.

 


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