The 2026 Preseason Week 1 game between the Jaguars and the Saints was a showcase of youth and competition, with a focus on giving playing time to rookies and reserves. The Jaguars emerged victorious with a score of 24-20, thanks to a strong second-half performance. The turning point came when rookie running back J'Mari Taylor scored a 2-yard touchdown run with 4:55 remaining, capping a second-half rally. This was one play after reserve quarterback Joey Aguilar's 43-yard pass to rookie wide receiver Trebor Peña.
Jaguars kicker Cam Little played a crucial role, converting field goals of 54, 32, and 36 yards, while reserve quarterback Carter Bradley's third-quarter touchdown pass to tight end Hunter Long, along with Taylor's conversion run, helped cut the Saints' halftime lead from 20-6 to 20-14. Taylor rushed for 78 yards on 22 carries, and running back DeeJay Dallas added 26 yards on 10 carries, with both players making significant contributions in the second half.
The Jaguars' defense also shone, registering four sacks: one by defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro and defensive end Danny Striggow in the first quarter, one by linebacker Yasir Abdullah, one by rookie defensive tackle Albert Regis, and one by defensive end Bryan Thomas Jr. in the fourth quarter. These defensive plays helped set up field goals and disrupt the Saints' offense.
Despite a strong showing, the Jaguars had to overcome a 20-6 halftime deficit, which Head Coach Liam Coen acknowledged as not ideal. However, the team's response and the performance of the younger players were encouraging. Coen expressed pride in the guys' response, especially in the run game, and noted that the team needed to take a step in the right direction physically and in terms of conditioning.
The game also saw the participation of several notable players, including second-year veterans Jonah Monheim and Wyatt Milum, who started and left the game shortly after offensive lineman Chuma Edoga's injury. Linebacker Branson Combs, competing with Ventrell Miller at outside linebacker, had a pass breakup in the second quarter, showcasing the depth and talent within the team.
Overall, the Jaguars' 24-20 victory over the Saints in the 2026 Preseason Week 1 game was a positive start to the season, with a focus on developing young talent and building team chemistry. The team's ability to rally and overcome a deficit in the second half bodes well for the future, as they look to take a step in the right direction in the upcoming weeks.
