JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Panthers had opportunities to make plays.

But after an offseason spent hoping to build on the offensive momentum gained in the second half of last season, it was their own mistakes on offense that undid them in a 26-10 loss to the Jaguars in the regular season opener.

Bryce Young threw an interception and fumbled in the first half, turnovers that led to 10 Jaguars points. And then a promising drive to start the second half unraveled in the red zone, with a fourth-and-1 pass attempt thrown out of bounds with no one open.

It was a frustrating moment for Young, who slammed his helmet on the bench afterward.

But it was a frustrating day for the Panthers in general.

Dropped passes. Penalties that negated first downs (including an ineligible man downfield on center Austin Corbett). Snaps that seemed to get onto Young before he was anticipating them. A fourth-quarter pick six was waved off because of a penalty on the Jaguars, followed by another pick that allowed the Jaguars to kneel it out.

But there were also missed tackles on defense, and moments of apparent communication breakdowns.

The only points for most of the day were on a 48-yard field goal by rookie kicker Ryan Fitzgerald, until Young hit Chuba Hubbard for a touchdown pass inside the last five minutes of the game. But by that point, it was too late to matter.

It all led to a loss that created some difficult questions one week into the season, in a game that took far too long, after a lengthy weather delay in the first half.

No momentum change after extended weather break

The Panthers came out of the extended weather break with a chance to get back in the game, but didn't. They trailed 10-3 prior to the 76-minute delay because of lightning in the Jacksonville area.

When the Jaguars got the ball after a punt, Travis Etienne popped a 71-yard run through a missed tackle by safety Nick. Three runs later, the Jaguars were in the end zone with a 17-3 lead.

They were able to add to the lead before the end of the half, after Young fumbled on an awkward slide attempt. The Jags drove for a quick field goal before the half, and led 20-3 at the second break.

Tershawn Wharton's first game as a Panther ended early

It was an unfortunate debut for free agent defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton.

He left the game early to be evaluated for a concussion, but was cleared and returned to the game.

Before the end of the first half, he was ruled out for the rest of the game with a hamstring injury.

Wharton was one of the five key defensive pieces added on the first day of free agency,