Jaguars vs. Saints takeaways: Rookie RB, defense make big plays in win

The Jacksonville Jaguars secured a thrilling 24-20 win against the New Orleans Saints in their preseason opener, marking their first victory of the season. Rookie undrafted running back J Mari Taylor shone brightly, rushing for 78 yards on 22 carries and scoring the game-winning two-yard touchdown with 4:55 left on the clock. Taylor's consistent performance in practice last week evidently translated into a dominant game.

Back DeeJay Dallas contributed 26 yards, but Taylor's workload and impact were the game's headline. The Jaguars' offense struggled at the start of the game, with their defense conceding several explosive plays, leaving them down by 14 points at halftime. The team reversed the tide in the second half, with backup quarterback Carter Bradley leading a 79-yard scoring drive to narrow the gap.

However, the Jaguars' ability to sustain drives and overcome struggles from their quarterback position remained a concern. Defensively, the team showcased standout performances, with defensive back Jabbar Muhammad recording a crucial interception at the end of the game, securing the win.