NEW ORLEANS, La. (WLBT) – The New Orleans Saints lost their preseason opener to the Jacksonville Jaguars 24-20 at the Caesars Superdome on Saturday. Most starters on both sides sat out following a joint practice earlier in the week.
Running back Audric Estime scored on a 9-yard run 21 seconds into the game. Veteran Ty Chandler returned the ensuing kickoff 86 yards, the longest kick return by the franchise in a preseason game since Larry Beavers went 97 yards against New England in 2010. Estime left the game in the second quarter after taking a hit on a reception.
Backup quarterbacks take center stage
Spencer Rattler started at quarterback and finished 8 of 11 for 42 yards but lost a fumble. Zach Wilson, the former No. 2 overall draft pick, went 11 of 16 for 145 yards and a touchdown off the bench. Rookie Hunter Dekkers played the final 8 minutes, 27 seconds. His final pass of the game fell incomplete in the left corner of the end zone.
Wilson’s touchdown pass went to rookie tight end Oscar Delp from a yard out. The score was set up by wide receiver Bub Means’ 27-yard catch that put the ball at the 1-yard line. Means finished with four receptions for 77 yards. Rookie receiver Barion Brown added four catches for 53 yards.
Kicker Tanner Brown made field goals of 49 and 29 yards. Incumbent Charlie Smyth missed a 52-yard attempt.
Defense generates pressure, turnovers
Linebacker Jaylan Ford and defensive back Jayden Price each intercepted a pass. Price’s turnover set up Delp’s touchdown. Edge rusher Michael Heldman recorded two sacks in the first half. The Saints defense finished with four sacks on the day.
What’s next
The Saints travel to the Los Angeles area Monday ahead of joint practices against the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday and the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday. New Orleans then plays the Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood the following Saturday.
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