The Jacksonville Jaguars responded to the challenge with a phenomenal second-half performance, scoring 18 unanswered points for a 24-20 win against the New Orleans Saints. There were plenty of notable plays, both good and bad, that will have ramifications throughout the depth chart, but there were five specific aspects of the game that deserved recognition, for better or worse. Here are three excellent and two not-so-good performances from Jaguars players against the Saints.
Excellent Performances
Yasir Abdullah
Before the game, Abdullah was one of the veterans who needed a good showing to really gain momentum toward making this roster. Abdullah not only seized the opportunity, but ran away with it.
Abdullah ended his day with two tackles (both solo) and one strip-sack that turned into a fumble recovery for B.J. Green. Abdullah also showed his special teams prowess, hawking down a Saints returner for negative yardage on a punt.
J’Mari Taylor
J’Mari Taylor is down the depth chart and needs to surpass DeeJay Dallas and Ameer Abdullah for a chance at a potential PS designation. Today, he made a massive statement to the coaching staff that he is what they’re looking for in their running back room. Taylor’s ability to find creases and hidden yardage jump-started the Jaguars offense in the second half, helping them settle down offensively and eventually take the lead. Taylor ended the game with 78 yards on 22 carries and a touchdown, but he exemplified the grit and physicality that head coach Liam Coen covets.
Jabbar Muhammad
The Saints had been trying cornerback Jabbar Muhammad all day, and Muhammad answered the bell. He led the team with six tackles today (all solo), a tackle for loss and a game-saving pass deflection at the end. Muhammad had all but solidified his spot on the final 53, but his performance today should be a sign that Muhammad is ready for the moment.
Not-So-Good Performances
Nick Mullens
Nick Mullens had a day to forget for Jacksonville. He ended the game three-for-seven for 33 yards and an interception. The offensive line certainly didn’t do him any favors, but on the interception he threw, he decided the throw was going to Josh Cameron before the ball snapped, and the Saints made him pay for it.
Offensive Line (Pass-Blocking)
The offensive line had a rough time in the first half, allowing three sacks and making life a nightmare for both Nick Mullens and Carter Bradley. Once the team calmed down, it felt like the offensive line and the operation were better, but there were still multiple procedural penalties and killer holding calls. It’s preseason, so there’s time to improve, but the depth of the offensive line is showing very early, and it’s a signal that the Jacksonville brass should not ignore.
