Sunday marked the second game of the preseason for the New Orleans Saints as they took on the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars just three weeks out from the start of the 2025 NFL regular season.
First Quarter
After Spencer Rattler started for the black and gold in Los Angeles a week ago, it was rookie Tyler Shough who got the nod at quarterback in this one, though he was made to wait for Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars offense to conduct the opening drive of the game.
A steady possession resulted in nothing for the
visitors, however, as the Saints recovered a fumble deep in their own territory to give the ball to Shough and the offense.
After completing his first pass of the day, the rookie was sacked and took an intentional grounding penalty that forced a punt. The ensuing Jaguars drive was a fitting display from a bona fide starting NFL quarterback, as Lawrence drove 55 yards and capped it off with a touchdown pass to Parker Washington to get the Jaguars on the board.
A three-and-out from the Saints followed, who punted once more before the opening 15 minutes came to a close with the Jaguars leading 7-0.
Second Quarter
With Nick Mullens in at quarterback for Jacksonville, the Saints defense managed a stop before Tyler Shough returned to the field to put together his best possession of the afternoon.
A 45-yard drive was highlighted by a connection with Treyton Welch for 28 yards before a few catches from Chris Olave moved New Orleans into field goal position. Blake Grupe soon kicked through a 51-yarder to get the Saints on the board, trailing 7-3.
The visitors responded well, with Mullens driving the offense all the way down to the 3-yard line before running back Bhayshul Tuten punched home the score to extend the lead to 14-3.
With Shough instantly sacked on third down to force a three-and-out, the Jaguars would get the ball back before the half. It also meant the end of the rookie’s day, posting 66 yards on 9-of-12 passing.
An impressive two-minute drill from Mullens put Jacksonville in field goal range, and a 53-yard kick put the visitors 17-3 up as we reached halftime.
Third Quarter
Rattler entered the game for the Saints and made an instant impact, driving 73 yards – helped by a pass interference on an attempt to Mason Tipton that moved the chains just under half the length of the field – and inside the 10-yard line. Red zone frustrations from a week ago continued, however, as the Saints were made to settle for a short field goal.
Mullens returned to put together another nice drive for the Jags, though Jaylan Ford made the play of the day until that point for the Saints with a red zone interception to get the ball back to Rattler and the offense.
The second-year pro was sharp on the ensuing drive as he connected with Tipton for 45 yards, although a theme continued as the Saints were made to settle for 3 points once more. Charlie Smyth kicked one through from 40 yards to make the score 17-9.
Fourth Quarter
Punts from both sides followed before Rattler returned to put together another nice drive, connecting for 14 yards with Dante Pettis, followed by strong runs from running back Velus Jones Jr. The end product lacked once again, however, as Rattler’s pass was intercepted at the Jaguars 7-yard line.
A Jacksonville offense completely neutralized in the second half continued to struggle, though, and the ball was back with the Saints with just under three minutes to play.
The final drive for the black and gold would be the most exhilarating. Moving 82 yards in just 2 minutes and 18 seconds, Rattler conducted the offense excellently to get into scoring position when, at long last, the black and gold found the end zone with a 20-yard catch hauled in by Dante Pettis with 21 seconds on the clock. Rattler ran in the two-point conversion to tie the game at the death, before the Jaguars got the ball back and Jonas Sanker grabbed a tipped pass for an interception as time expired.
The nature of preseason meant the game ended level at 17-17 without overtime, though the brilliance of the final drive meant Who Dat Nation left the Superdome in good spirits.
With a loss and a tie on the record, the Saints will now look to get a win on the board in their final preseason test when they host Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos on Saturday.
