Studs and duds from the Saints' preseason-opening loss to the Jaguars
Zach Wilson and Michael Heldman stood out, but several New Orleans Saints players struggled in a 24-20 preseason loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
In the Saints' preseason opener against the Jaguars, New Orleans found itself trailing 20-6 at halftime before being outscored 18-0 in the second half. While the overall result may not be particularly impactful, several standout performances were on display.
Zach Wilson emerged as a stud, showcasing a strong debut. He completed 11 of 16 passes for 145 yards and a touchdown pass to rookie tight end Oscar Delp. His ability to push the ball downfield and make several big plays earned him a positive roster case.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Spencer Rattler struggled as a dud. Completing only eight of his 11 passes for just 42 yards, Rattler also took two sacks and lost a fumble. His performance could provide valuable insight into the QB2 competition moving forward.
Michael Heldman demonstrated why he's a promising rookie. The undrafted player racked up six total tackles, two sacks, and three tackles for loss. His strong performance in training camp has him making a serious push for roster spots.
The Saints' second-half offensive struggles were highlighted by the team's inability to score after taking a 20-6 halftime lead. Hunter Dekkers came close to a game-winning drive but ultimately fell short.
Bub Means stood out in the receiving department, recording 77 yards on four catches. His significant gains helped set up the game-winning touchdown pass to Oscar Delp. As a player who might be on the fringe of the roster, Means' strong outing could tip the scales in his favor.
Charlie Smyth managed to convert both of his extra-point attempts but missed a crucial 52-yard field goal. Tanner Brown, however, remained consistent with his kicking, making successful kicks from 49 and 29 yards. Smyth's field goal attempt will be a point of interest as the team looks to finalize its roster.
Lastly, Ty Chandler made an immediate impact with an 86-yard kickoff return that set up Audric Estime's touchdown. Chandler's impressive return also showcased his ability to contribute as a rusher, adding another dimension to his role on the team.
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