Jaguars Win Preseason Opener
Jaguars Secure Preseason Win Over Saints 24-20 with Fourth-Quarter Comeback Led by Taylor and Aguilar
The Jacksonville Jaguars rallied to beat the New Orleans Saints 24-20 in the NFL preseason opener on Saturday. Running back J'Mari Taylor rushed for 78 yards and scored the go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter, capping an 18-point second-half surge by Jacksonville, according to Daily Item.
Both teams rested most of their projected starters. The game became a showcase for backups and roster hopefuls fighting for spots — and several players made strong cases on both sides, according to Beaumont Enterprise.
Saints Strike First on a Big Kickoff Return
New Orleans wasted no time setting the tone. Ty Chandler returned the opening kickoff 86 yards, giving the Saints great field position right away. One play later, running back Audric Estime punched it in from 9 yards out. The Saints led 7-0 before Jacksonville could blink, according to Seattle PI.
New Orleans held that lead deep into the game. Their early momentum looked like it might hold — but Jacksonville had other plans once the second half began, according to KDH News.
Jaguars Score 18 Unanswered Points to Flip the Game
Jacksonville came alive in the second half. The Jaguars scored 18 straight points to turn a deficit into a lead. Taylor's 2-yard touchdown run was the big blow. It was set up by quarterback Joey Aguilar, who drove the offense down the field with efficiency, according to News-Gazette.
Taylor was the engine of the comeback. His 78 rushing yards were the most by any ball carrier in the game. His go-ahead score gave Jacksonville its first lead, and the defense made it hold, according to Daily Item.
Zach Wilson Makes His Case as Saints Backup QB
On the Saints' side, the most interesting story was Zach Wilson. New Orleans picked up Wilson this offseason. He is competing to be the backup behind starter Tyler Shough. Wilson completed 11 of 16 passes for 145 yards and threw a short touchdown pass to tight end Hunter Long, according to Winnipeg Free Press.
It was a solid audition for Wilson, who has faced questions about his NFL future after struggling in New York. His 68% completion rate and touchdown pass gave Saints fans something to feel good about, even in a loss, according to Beaumont Enterprise.
Fourth-String QBs Close Out a Depth-Chart Showcase
The game ended with Hunter Dekkers under center for Jacksonville. Dekkers is a fourth-string quarterback. His appearance showed just how deep into the roster both teams were willing to go. That is the point of preseason — coaches want to see every player on the depth chart, according to Seattle PI.
Neither team's true starters took a snap. That was by design. Coaches on both sides chose player safety over wins. The final score — Jaguars 24, Saints 20 — matters far less than what coaches learned about their rosters heading into the regular season, according to KDH News.
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