Jaguars Edge Saints 24-20: Wild Finish You Missed
Zach Wilson Shines in Saints Preseason Debut: A Simple Breakdown
What Happened in the Game?
The New Orleans Saints played their first practice game (called "preseason") against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday. Even though the Saints lost 24-20, the biggest story was quarterback Zach Wilson showing he might be ready for a second chance in the NFL.
Important Point
Preseason games don’t count for the real season standings. They’re like practice matches where teams test new players and decide who makes the final roster.
Who Is Zach Wilson? (The Simple Version)
- Drafted #2 overall by the New York Jets in 2021 (that’s really high!)
- Labelled a "draft bust" because things didn’t work out in New York
- Now on his 4th team since 2021 (Jets → Broncos → Patriots → Saints)
- Still only 25 years old — young for a quarterback
- Trying to win the backup job behind starter Tyler Shough
How Wilson Played on Saturday
Wilson came in during the first half and looked really good:
| Stat | Result |
|---|---|
| Passes Completed | 11 out of 16 |
| Yards | 145 |
| Touchdowns | 1 (short pass to rookie TE Oscar Delp) |
| Big Plays | 27 & 37 yards to Bub Means, 28 yards to rookie Barion Brown |
| Drives Led | 1 touchdown + 1 field goal |
What the Coach Said
Kellen Moore (Saints Head Coach): "Zach’s a really talented quarterback. He’s still got tons of growing to do and I think he’s done a great job of applying himself this year in this system. So, I’m proud of what he was able to do out there."
What Wilson Said
"Obviously, I’m here to compete. I’m still young, but I feel like I’ve been able to play in a lot of games and see a lot of different things, and so I feel like it’s been able to slow down a little bit for me."
The Other Quarterback Battle
Spencer Rattler was supposed to be the backup. He started the game but had a rough time:
- 8 of 11 passes for only 42 yards
- Lost a fumble when sacked (Jaguars turned it into a field goal)
- Rattler admitted: "I probably should have just thrown it away."
Jaguars Rookies Steal the Second Half
With all starters out, Jacksonville’s undrafted rookies went wild:
- J’Mari Taylor — 78 rushing yards, game-winning 2-yard TD
- Joey Aguilar — 43-yard bomb on his FIRST NFL throw
- Trebor Pena — Caught that 43-yarder (after dropping an earlier TD)
Important Point
"Undrafted" means no team picked them in the NFL Draft. They had to fight just to get a tryout. Big performances like this can earn them a roster spot!
Other Notable Performances
Saints
| Player | What They Did |
|---|---|
| Audric Estime (RB) | 9-yard TD run to start the game |
| Ty Chandler | 86-yard kickoff return to set up that TD |
| Michael Heldman (DE) | 2 sacks as an undrafted rookie! |
| Jayden Price (DB) | Interception setting up a TD |
| Charlie Smyth (K) | Missed 52-yard field goal |
Jaguars
| Player | What They Did |
|---|---|
| Nick Mullens (QB) | Started, 3/7 for 33 yards, 1 INT |
| Carter Bradley (QB) | 105 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT |
| Hunter Long (TE) | Caught Bradley’s TD pass |
Injuries to Watch
Important Point
Preseason injuries are extra frustrating because they happen in games that don’t even count!
| Team | Player | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Jaguars | Chuma Edoga (RT) | Leg injury on first offensive snap |
| Saints | Audric Estime (RB) | Hit to knees on screen pass |
| Saints | Christen Miller (DT) | Left before halftime |
What’s Next?
- Jaguars → Host Carolina Panthers on Friday night
- Saints → Travel to Los Angeles Rams on August 22 (practicing in California all week)
Summary (TL;DR)
- Zach Wilson (former #2 pick, 4th team) played great in his Saints debut: 11/16, 145 yds, 1 TD, multiple big throws
- Coach Kellen Moore praised his growth and work ethic
- Spencer Rattler (projected backup) struggled with a costly fumble
- Jaguars undrafted rookies dominated the 2nd half with 18 unanswered points
- Injuries hit both teams on key positions
- Both teams play again this week in their 2nd preseason games
FAQ (Questions You Might Have)
1. Does this mean Zach Wilson will make the Saints roster?
Not guaranteed yet. He’s competing for the backup job behind Tyler Shough. One good game helps, but coaches will watch consistency over all preseason games and practices.
2. What does "undrafted rookie" mean?
Players who weren’t selected in the NFL Draft (7 rounds, ~260 picks). They sign as free agents afterward. Most don’t make teams — so big performances like Taylor/Aguilar/Pena had are huge for their careers.
3. Why do starters not play in preseason?
Injury risk. Teams protect their best players (like Trevor Lawrence for Jacksonville) because these games don’t count toward playoffs or championships.
4. What’s the difference between "backup" and "third-string" QB?
- Starter (QB1): Plays almost every snap in real games
- Backup (QB2): Next in line if starter gets hurt
- Third-string (QB3): Emergency option, usually only plays in blowouts or if both QBs get hurt
5. How many preseason games do teams play?
Three (used to be four). This was Game 1 for both teams. They have two more before final roster cuts in late August.
Want to watch the highlights? Search "Saints vs Jaguars preseason 2025 highlights" on YouTube or the NFL app!