Packers beat Jaguars 27-23 at home in the season opener; Chris Ivory misses game

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Jaguars put up a fight against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, but fell at home in the season opener 27-23.

However, many Jaguars fans still felt plenty of optimism for the season.

"I feel it, I feel it," said an excited Jags fan among the crowd pouring into EverBank Field for the sold-out game against the Packers.

Part of the optimism can be attributed to the Jaguars offense clicking and new talent on the defense.

"I think the NFL is going to be pleasantly surprised," another fan told Action News Jax before the game.

However, starting running back Chris Ivory, a 2015 Pro Bowler and 2016 free agent, was declared inactive an hour and a half before game time with what the team announced as a "general medical issue."

Head Coach Gus Bradley indicated Friday that Ivory had been limited in practice with a calf injury but that it wasn't expected to impact Sunday's game.

In honor of 9/11, players wore special red, white and blue cleats and a giant flag was unfurled on the field for the national anthem.

Cox Media Group