Saints Drop 24-20 Preseason Opener as Jaguars Erase 20-6 Halftime Deficit
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · Aug 16
Saints Drop 24-20 Preseason Opener as Jaguars Erase 20-6 Halftime Deficit
3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Aug 16
Summary
New Orleans led 20-6 at halftime but failed to score after the break, while Jacksonville closed with an 18-0 second half to win 24-20 at the Superdome.
Zach Wilson strengthened his case for the No. 2 quarterback job, completing 11 of 16 passes for 145 yards and a touchdown as he pushed the ball downfield.
Spencer Rattler hurt his standing in that battle despite going 8 of 11, managing only 42 yards, taking two sacks and losing a fumble.
Bub Means and the Saints' young defense supplied the brightest roster-battle signs: Means had 4 catches for 77 yards, Michael Heldman posted 2 sacks and 3 tackles for loss, and Jaylan Ford added 8 tackles with an interception.
The opener also exposed depth concerns, with the offensive line allowing 4 sacks, backs averaging under 3.5 yards per carry, and kicker Charlie Smyth missing from 52 yards.