The Jacksonville Jaguars opened the preseason with a dramatic 24\u201320 win over the New Orleans Saints. After a difficult first half that placed the team in a 20-6 halftime deficit, Jacksonville\u2019s reserves found their rhythm after halftime and fueled a comeback. Penalties, drops, injuries, and early special teams struggles ruled the early portion of the day. However, the Jaguars\u2019 depth players made several key plays late, helping secure the victory and giving the team valuable insight into its roster competitions.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s everything you need to know from Jacksonville\u2019s 2026 Week 1 preseason 24-20 road opener against the New Orleans Saints.<\/p>\n
Both New Orleans Head Coach Kellen Moore and Jacksonville\u2019s Liam Coen went the route of resting the majority of starters following Thursday\u2019s joint practice. The majority of key veterans sat out this one, namely:<\/p>\n
WR Chris OlaveWR Jordyn Tyson (reportedly with a hamstring injury suffered Thursday)WR Devaughn VeleEdge Cam Jordan<\/p>\n
For Jacksonville, who was active, was probably the more notable list Saturday, with Ventrell Miller and Branson Combs both participating, as both players compete for a starting linebacker role.<\/p>\n
Today\u2019s game kicked off with an immediate explosive play surrendered by the Jacksonville kickoff coverage team and defense, allowing an opening 86-yard kick return to Saints\u2019 running back Ty Chandler. Jalen Husky completed the touchdown-saving tackle, though only delaying the later touchdown.<\/p>\n
On the following play, the Saints completed the drive with a nine-yard touchdown run with no less than three missed tackles from the Jacksonville defense by Branson Combs, Jabbar Muhammad, and others.<\/p>\n
The following drive featured multiple impressive runs by the Jaguars\u2019 offense from DeeJay Dallas and J\u2019Mari Taylor, and 1st down conversions from both CJ Williams and Josh Cameron. However, it was all for naught, with Nick Mullens throwing a redzone interception at the 4-yard line.<\/p>\n
The Jacksonville defense bounced back with a quick three-and-out following a Bransom Combs\/BJ Green quarterback pressure on Saints backup Spencer Rattler, resulting in a Ruke Orhorhoro sack to force the punt.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, Jacksonville\u2019s backup offense could do little on the ensuing drive, punting it back to New Orleans following their own three-and-out, with Mullens sacked on 3rd-and-5.<\/p>\n
Following another Saints three-and-out and a Cam Little 54-yard field goal, the Jacksonville defense forced a quick turnover courtesy of Yasir Abdullah.<\/p>\n
The backup Sam linebacker pressured Spencer Rattler, missed the sack, then circled back, turning the missed tackle into a forced red zone fumble with Wesley Williams. The fumble was recovered by BJ Green, who returned the possession to the 7-yard line. Jacksonville added another field goal to cut the Saints\u2019 lead to one.<\/p>\n
The New Orleans backups put together a 15-play, 57-yard field goal drive to extend the drive, with both teams trading punts. Following a second first-half false start by Jimto Obidegwu, Carter Bradley forced an ill-advised throw to CJ Williams, resulting in a Saints interception returned to the 28-yard line. The Saints scored two plays later via a 1st down play-action shot that took advantage of a busted coverage from the Jacksonville secondary, followed by a 1-yard rub route on the goal line where Ray Lane was unable to beat Delp to the goal line. Following a punt by Jacksonville, New Orleans targeted backup cornerback Corey Ballentine for multiple explosive plays on a 9-play, 84-yard, 1:02 field goal drive to close out the half.<\/p>\n
Saints 20, Jaguars 6 at halftime<\/p>\n
A rough first half for the Jacksonville offense led by Nick Mullens and Carter Bradley resulted in seven possessions with a combined six first downs. However, after the break, the team showed signs of life with an impressive opening drive: a 10-play, 79-yard, 6:07 touchdown march. With multiple explosive receptions by Chanler Brayboy and two explosive rushes by J\u2019Mari Taylor, the team moved into the Saints\u2019 red zone. The drive was capped by a 1-yard Hunter Long touchdown catch (and a 2-point conversion by Taylor) to cut the Saints\u2019 lead to six.<\/p>\n
Following a missed 52-yard field goal by New Orleans, Bradley led Jacksonville down the field for what looked to be a go-ahead drive, with Carter hitting Trebor Pena with an end zone strike. However, the ball was dropped, resulting in a Jacksonville field goal and a three-point New Orleans lead. Jacksonville would eventually secure their first lead of the game with 4:55 remaining in the matchup, via a 2-yard J\u2019Mari Taylor rush, following a 43-yard Trebor Pena reception.<\/p>\n
An exciting finish to the game ensued as the Saints offense drove to the Jaguars\u2019 2-yard line with one second remaining on the clock, as Jabbar Muhammad deflected the game\u2019s final pass attempt to secure the Jacksonville victory. It\u2019s a 1-0 Victory Monday in Duval.<\/p>\n
Biggest play of the game:<\/p>\n
Yasir Abdullah pressuring the quarterback?Wesley Williams forcing the fumble?BJ Green recovering the fumble?A great team effort!<\/p>\n
The Jaguars keep fighting, taking the lead with 4:55 remaining in the fourth quarter<\/p>\n
QB Nick Mullens: 3\/7 for 33-yards (4.7 YPC), no TDs, 1 INT, sacked once (17.9 passer rating)RB J\u2019Mari Taylor: 22 carries for 78-yards (3.5 YPC), TD, with a long of 13WR CJ Williams: 2 receptions for 28-yards, 14.0 YPR, on five targetsDL Ruke Ohrhorhoro: 3 tackles, 0.5 sacksDE Danny Striggow: 3 tackles, 1 solo, 0.5 sacksLB Yasir Abdullah: 2 solo tackles, 1 sackDT Albert Regis: 1 QB sack<\/p>\n