The long-awaited joint practices between the New Orleans Saints and Jacksonville Jaguars are on the way. The Saints now get a chance to compete with an unfamiliar opponent.
With starters not expected to see much action during the opening preseason game, the joint practice will give New Orleans a chance to see some key matchups for their first team stars.
CB Kool-Aid McKintry vs. Jags WRs
One of the stars of camp has been cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry. He’s been consistently disruptive when it comes to the pass game. Now, he gets to face new competition, and really talented competition at that. Matching up with Jags wideouts Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter can allow the defender to confirm his ascension against new and unfamiliar faces.
EDGE Chase Young vs. Jags Tackles
One of the Saints’ top talents, edge rusher Chase Young, has been another major standout through camp. The Jaguars have had some shuffling in their offensive line, which should allow Young to continue to show his dominance in trying to get after Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
QB Tyler Shough vs. Jags Defense
From edge rusher Josh Allen-Hines on the defensive line to Hunter again, Saints quarterback Tyler Shough may have concerns. But in the secondary, Shough will have the advantage of facing new competition. The Saints defense has dominated headlines so far, but inside the context of training camp’s installation process, nothing alarming has taken place. Offenses don’t gameplan for the defenses they face in training camp throughout that part of the process.
With some more opportunities for unscripted playcalling periods against the Jaguars, things could start to open up for the offense even without game planning.
