JACKSONVILLE – This was as promised, which was as wanted.

The Jaguars didn't just start the 2025 regular season 1-0 with a victory this past Sunday, they did something almost as important. They played as they wanted to play. They were tough. They were physical.

Which meant a very good feeling moving forward.

"I definitely like the direction we're going," Dawuane Smoot said.

Smoot, a long-time Jaguars defensive end who re-signed with the team this past offseason, spoke to the media Monday – a day after a 26-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers at EverBank Stadium in which the Jaguars rushed for 200 yards and controlled the game with strong performances by both lines.

"We established that toughness and now we have it to grow off of and kind of be more physical, more tough and co

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