Jaguars vs. Panthers: 4 Second Half Adjustments Jacksonville Should Make

All is forgiven for a half that seemed lost for the Jaguars.

Blaine Gabbert threw for his first NFL touchdown and the running game began to finally move the ball through a porous Carolina defense.

Could this be the win the team needs to break through and prove naysayers wrong?

If the rain continues to pour and the ball is slick, the running game will become more vital.

That means more MJD and more ball control by the Jaguars.

Here is what the Jaguars must to do to continue to lead this game.

5. Stick with the Running Game

Maurice Jones-Drew was a workhorse the first two weeks of the season. It is raining and the Carolina defense hasn't given anyone any indication that they have been world-beaters.

Give the ball to Jones-Drew and Deji Karim and let them run up the middle. The late run by MJD is a reason to think there will be more running lanes in the second half.

4. Continue to Put Pressure on Cam Newton

This is the game where Newton appears to be coming back to earth.

While he has moved in and out of the pocket well and carried players with him for positive yards, the Jaguars defense has not allowed him to make the big play yet.

3. Keep Steve Smith out of the Passing Game

Smith and Newton have been a great pass-catch combo the first two weeks.

The Jaguars' secondary has played better this week unlike last week against New York.

A slick ball helps the defense.

2. Don't Make Blaine Gabbert Have to Win the Game

Gabbert threw an interception toward the end of the first half. It led to a huge play for Jonathon Stewart that was called back.

Plays like these are crucial to the psyche of this team.

Gabbert cannot win the game with his arm yet and cannot be expected to.

If the game is close and put in Gabbert's hands, it better be to score from inside the red zone. While he threw his first touchdown pass of his career, look for the offense to still go through the running backs.

1. Don't Count on Josh Scobee for 50-Yard Field Goals

Scobee is great from 50 yards-plus.

The game may come down to a kick and Scobee is known for making game-winners. But the team must move the ball into the red zone.