The Jacksonville Jaguars won their preseason opener against the New Orleans Saints by a score of 24 to 20.
But this time of the year isn’t about wins and losses. In the preseason, individual performances often take priority, with playing time, roles, and roster spots up for grabs.
With the clock now at triple zeros, here are our instant takeaways from what took place.
– An already banged-up Jaguars’ offensive line unit suffered another injury, with Chuma Edoga exiting the game after the first play.
– Without Edoga and with the backups in, it was tough sledding for the Jaguars’ offensive line for the most part on Saturday. The Saints generated four sacks, six tackles for loss, and seven quarterback hits.
– When the Jaguars offense did have some success was at the start of the third quarter when they were able to lean on the run game. That was a nice possession for J’Mari Taylor. The same could be said for Jacksonville’s other second-half scoring drive.
– Ventrell Miller and Branson Combs both saw extended action with the linebacker competition still unfolding.
– Speaking of linebackers, I thought Yasir Abdullah had a very good performance, totaling two tackles, a sack, and a tackle for loss. He also helped force a fumble.
– Wesley Williams is trying to earn a regular rotational role, and the Jaguars gave him plenty of snaps to boost his stock.
– As a collective unit, the Jaguars’ defensive front as a whole held up well against the run.
– Saints’ quarterback Zach Wilson generated several explosive passing plays. Corey Ballentine was picked on a few times.
– Throughout training camp, Liam Coen has wanted to test Nate Boerkircher and Tanner Koziol; that continued in this game with both seeing action early. Rookie wide receivers Josh Cameron and CJ Williams saw their share of snaps and targets as well.
– Carter Bradley getting the bulk of the snaps tells us that he is very much ahead of Joey Aguilar on the depth chart. That said, it was mostly a rough outing for Bradley.
– BJ Green always seems to be around the football this summer. That ability helped him recover a fumble.
– Spoiler alert: Cam Little and Logan Cooke are ready for the regular season.
– Chandler Brayboy handled kick return duties well.
– It’s a crowded edge rusher room, but a nice showing from UDFA Bryan Thomas Jr., who had four tackles, one for a loss, a sack and two quarterback hits.
– Rookie defenders Jalen Huskey and Albert Regis had good debuts.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Instant analysis of Jaguars preseason performance v. Saints
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Jaguars Wire / Jaguars Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Paul Bretl, Jaguars Wire | USA TODAY Network
