JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Although much of the focus remains on quarterbacks and former No. 1 overall draft picks Bryce Young and Trevor Lawrence, the Carolina Panthers and Jacksonville Jaguars have an equally important question heading into their season opener Sunday:

Which team has improved the most on the other side of the ball?

The Panthers and Jaguars ranked 32nd and 31st, respectively, in total defense in 2024. Carolina couldn’t stop the run, especially with Pro Bowl defensive lineman Derrick Brown (knee) sidelined 16 games . Jacksonville, meanwhile, bulked up in the weight room and then did little to affect opposing passers, managing 34 sacks and six interceptions.

Dismal defenses contributed to abysmal seasons — and led to offseason overhauls for both teams.

Carolina (5-12

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