Jaguars Depth Wins
Jaguars Reserve Players Spark Fourth-Quarter Comeback to Defeat Saints in Preseason Game
The Jacksonville Jaguars rallied from a slow start to beat the New Orleans Saints 24-20 in their preseason opener, scoring 18 unanswered points in the second half to seal the win, according to AP News.
Running back J'Mari Taylor rushed for 78 yards and punched in a 2-yard go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter. The score capped a strong showing from Jacksonville's reserve players, who took over after most starters sat out to stay healthy, Big Cat Country reported.
Taylor and Aguilar Spark Fourth-Quarter Comeback
J'Mari Taylor was the engine of the Jaguars' second-half surge. He carried the ball for 78 yards overall and scored the go-ahead touchdown with two yards to go in the fourth quarter, per AP News.
Quarterback Joey Aguilar set up the decisive score with a 43-yard completion to fellow rookie Trebor Pena. That big play put Jacksonville in position to take the lead for good, according to Las Vegas Sun.
Saints Jump Out Early Before Jacksonville Takes Over
New Orleans drew first blood when running back Audric Estime broke through for a 9-yard touchdown run. The Saints held a 20-6 lead in the second half before the Jaguars went on their 18-point run, Hastings Tribune reported.
Defensive end Michael Heldman was a bright spot for New Orleans, recording two sacks on the day. But the Saints' offense could not hold off Jacksonville's reserves down the stretch.
Starters Sit Out as Both Teams Evaluate Depth
Neither team played most of their projected starters. Both clubs chose to rest key players to protect their health, instead using the game to see who could fill out their rosters, Big Cat Country noted.
Jacksonville started Nick Mullens at quarterback. He struggled, completing just 3 of 7 passes for 33 yards before giving way. It was the backup and reserve players who ultimately decided the game, per Yahoo Sports.
Zach Wilson Makes Early Case for Saints Backup Role
On the Saints' side, all eyes were on Zach Wilson. The former New York Jets starter was acquired by New Orleans this offseason and is competing to be the backup to starting quarterback Tyler Shough, according to Newsday.
Wilson used the preseason opener to begin building his case. The Saints will need to make roster decisions in the coming weeks, and performances like this one carry real weight in those calls.
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