The Jacksonville Jaguars took a big step forward in proving doubters wrong with a decisive win over the Cleveland Browns in their Week 1 debut. Despite ending 2025 as AFC South champions, with Trevor Lawrence an MVP finalist, the Jaguars were one of the most slept-on teams heading into the 2026 season.
A 34-10 victory was necessary for Jacksonville to send a strong statement. While the Browns are admittedly an easier opponent, it would have been near-disastrous had the Jaguars struggled to defeat them, especially as the next few games will bring significantly more difficult teams.
For running back Bhayshul Tuten, though, being seen as the league underdog only serves as motivation.
"That we're very explosive, great offense, and we're out for blood,
a lot of people doubted us, and we love that," Tuten said in a post-game press conference. "Coach Liam preached that every day, forget what the naysayers say, go out there and prove them wrong, and I think today we did that. A lot of football is left like we said, but we do a good job of taking it day by day, we're going to enjoy this win, but come back tomorrow, the rest of the weekend, prepare for the next game, we put it behind us pretty good, just on to the next one game at a time."
Prior to Week 1, Liam Coen called out league analysts for constantly disrespecting and underestimating the Jaguars, which he said provides constant motivation for his players to prove them all wrong. And judging by Tuten's comments, Coen was right on the mark.
The Jaguars have largely been seen as a team that was good in 2025, but will surely regress in 2026. It will take more than beating Cleveland to disprove that mindset for good... but as Tuten said, the Jaguars are out for blood.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Bhayshul Tuten: Jaguars are ‘out for blood’ after Week 1 win
