Jags Flip the Script: 18 Unanswered Points Shock Saints in Preseason Thriller
The Jacksonville Jaguars turned a preseason snoozefest into a statement, erasing a 14-point halftime deficit and storming past the New Orleans Saints 24-20 on Saturday. Nothing fancy, just pure second-half domination.
Backup Bullet: Taylor's Late Score Seals It
J'Mari Taylor rumbled for 78 yards, but his biggest carry came from 2 yards out in the fourth quarter — the go-ahead score that gave Jacksonville their first lead of the night. The drive got its juice from undrafted rookie quarterback Joey Aguilar, who uncorked a 43-yard bomb down the left sideline to fellow rookie Trebor Pena to set up the touchdown.
New Orleans had two more chances to snatch it back, but their last gasp ended with a punt, and their final possession fizzled with an incomplete pass on second-and-goal from the 2 as time expired.
QB Carousel: Winners and Losers
Carter Bradley handled the Jacksonville signal-calling for most of the night, throwing for 105 yards and a short touchdown to tight end Hunter Long. But he also served up a gift — a pick to Jayden Price near midfield late in the first half that set up a Saints touchdown. Meanwhile, starter Nick Mullens was shaky, completing just 3 of 7 passes for 33 yards and getting picked off by Jaylen Ford at the New Orleans 4.
On the Saints' sideline, Zach Wilson looked like he wants that backup job. The free-agent pickup completed 11 of 16 for 145 yards and a touchdown to rookie tight end Oscar Delp. He also launched three deep balls, connecting with Bub Means for gains of 37 and 27 yards, plus a 28-yarder to Barion Brown. Spencer Rattler, who entered camp as the projected QB2, had a tougher night: 8 of 11 for 42 yards, but he lost a fumble on a Yasir Abdullah sack that set up a Cam Little field goal.
Early Fireworks, Then Silence
The Saints jumped out fast. Ty Chandler ripped off an 86-yard kickoff return, and one play later Audric Estime punched in a 9-yard touchdown for a 7-0 lead. But after that, New Orleans couldn't put Jacksonville away, and their offense stalled in the second half. Undrafted rookie defensive end Michael Heldman was a bright spot, racking up two sacks.
Injury Watch
Jaguars right tackle Chuma Edoga went down with an apparent leg injury on the very first offensive snap. The Saints lost Estime to a scary knee hit in the second quarter, and rookie defensive tackle Christen Miller also exited before halftime.
What's Next
The Jaguars head home to host Carolina on Friday night. The Saints hit the road for a joint practice week in California before facing the Los Angeles Rams on Aug. 22.