Our Offense Vs. Their Defense: Jacksonville Jaguars

The start of yet another NFL season is on the horizon. As the New Orleans Saints’ preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars gets closer, it is time to begin previewing the offensive matchup for this week’s contest.

Although it is unlikely for the starters to get much run in the first preseason game, this week will serve as an opportunity for Kellen Moore and the rest of the coaching staff to get a good look at some newcomers and rookies vying for roster spots in real-time action against an opponent other than their own teammates.

With the Saints adding a bevy of new pass catchers to surround QB Tyler Shough, I would expect them to lean on the passing game early to give these players as much run as possible. Players like Jordyn Tyson, Bryce Lance, Barion Brown, Noah Fant, and Oscar Delp should get a fair amount of reps.

Throughout training camp, there have been some doubters sharing their dismay with the offensive efficiency during practices. If the offense can perform and execute routine plays even with backups and reserves seeing the field, this game will serve as a platform to quiet some of the outside noise.

Jaguars’ head coach Liam Coen has already announced that starters will not see the field versus New Orleans in week one, but that will not make this game any less important for either staff.

The Jags made several key additions to their defensive units this offseason, including linebackers Amari Burney, Dennis Gardeck, and Jahlani Tavai, cornerback Montaric Brown, and defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro.

Even though the Saints will not face Jacksonville during the regular season this year, it will still be good competition for New Orleans after the Jaguars finished first in the AFC South division in 2025 while taking a trip to the postseason, somewhere New Orleans has not been since 2020.