NEW ORLEANS, La. – The New Orleans Saints came up just short of stealing an exciting preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Saints fell, 24-20, but can take plenty of positives away from the effort.
While quarterback Hunter Dekkers nearly stole the show with some late-game heroics, it was veteran passer Zach Wilson that will walk away as the talk of the game after a stellar performance.
The Story
Wilson entered the game with just over five minutes left in the second quarter and remained the team’s passer until the first offensive series of the fourth quarter. He went 11/16 for 145 passing yards, a passing touchdown and a 118.0 passer rating.
Throughout training camp, third-yard quarterback Spencer Ratttler has commanded the second-team reps and backup passer role. This game was a prime opportunity for Wilson to potentially improve his positioning, and he did not miss on that chance.
His top target, wide receiver Bub Means, piled up a team-leading 77 receiving yards on four catches, three of which coming from Wilson passes.
The pairing has been an accomplished one during training camp, consistently dialing up nice plays often downfield.
Wilson’s day came to an end when second-year lefty Hunter Dekkers took over at quarterback in the final period of the game. The performance may have been good enough to reignite conversation around the backup quarterback role.
The Plays
Running back Ty Chandler started things off with a bang with an 86-yard return on the opening kickoff.
Running back Audric Estime then took one play to cash in and find the endzone on a nine-yard run.
On the first possession for the Jaguars, linebacker Jaylan Ford, who’s had a strong camp this offseason, reeled in a red zone interception.
Cornerback Jayden Price, another camp standout, tallied the Saints’ second takeaway of the day by picking off Jaguars quarterback Carter Bradley.
After Wilson connected with Means on a nice play action pass that was ruled out just ahead of the goal line, the veteran passer found rookie tight end Oscar Delp at the front pylon for a touchdown.
The Injuries
- Estime left the game after being checked in in the injury tent. He took an awkward hit to his leg after catching a pass in the flats. He first ran up and down the sideline after being evaluated before going back to the locker room.
- Defensive lineman Christen Miller was briefly evaluated in the injury tent just before halftime and going into the break. He did not return after halftime.
- Early in the second half, edge rushers Mike Heldman and Garrett Nelson were also evaluated in the injury tent, but remained on the sideline and returned to action. Both played very well throughout the matchup.
