Zach Wilson Makes Strong Case for Saints’ Backup QB Role Despite Loss to Jaguars.

NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Saints may have fallen short in their preseason opener, but Zach Wilson gave the coaching staff something positive to take away from Saturday night. Wilson delivered one of New Orleans’ strongest offensive performances in a 24-20 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, completing 11 of 16 passes for 145 yards and a touchdown. His ability to attack downfield added another layer to what could become an interesting competition for the Saints’ backup quarterback job. The former No. 2 overall pick connected with Bub Means on gains of 27 and 37 yards and found rookie Barion Brown for another 28-yard completion. Wilson also threw a short touchdown pass to rookie tight end Oscar Delp while helping New Orleans build momentum late in the first half. Wilson is now on his fourth NFL team after beginning his career with the New York Jets in 2021. After struggling to establish himself as a consistent starter earlier in his career, the 27-year-old is trying to take advantage of a fresh opportunity in New Orleans. Saints head coach Kellen Moore praised Wilson’s talent and the progress he has made learning the offense. Wilson entered training camp competing with Spencer Rattler for the opportunity to back up starting quarterback Tyler Shough. Rattler received the start Saturday but had a quieter performance, completing 8 of 11 passes for 42 yards. His biggest mistake came when Yasir Abdullah sacked him near the Saints’ goal line and forced a fumble, helping Jacksonville turn the turnover into a field goal. New Orleans opened the game with an immediate spark. Ty Chandler returned the opening kickoff 86 yards, setting up Audric Estime’s 9-yard touchdown run for an early 7-0 lead. The Saints later capitalized on a Jayden Price interception to add another touchdown before halftime.

Jacksonville responded after the break. The Jaguars erased the deficit with 18 unanswered second-half points behind several young players fighting for roster spots. Undrafted rookie running back J’Mari Taylor rushed for 78 yards and scored a 2-yard fourth-quarter touchdown that gave Jacksonville its first lead of the game. Quarterback Joey Aguilar also provided a key play when he connected with Trebor Pena for 43 yards down the sideline. The completion helped set up Taylor’s go-ahead score and shifted the momentum in Jacksonville’s favor. Carter Bradley finished with 105 passing yards and a touchdown to Hunter Long for the Jaguars. Nick Mullens started in place of Trevor Lawrence but struggled, completing 3 of 7 passes for 33 yards and throwing an interception near the Saints’ goal line.

New Orleans still had an opportunity to steal the game late. The Saints drove inside Jacksonville’s 5-yard line on their final possession, but the Jaguars’ defense held firm. An incomplete pass from fourth-string quarterback Hunter Dekkers on second-and-goal from the 2 ended the game as time expired. The Saints also received a strong defensive performance from undrafted rookie Michael Heldman, who recorded two sacks. Injuries became another concern for both teams. Jacksonville right tackle Chuma Edoga suffered a leg injury on the Jaguars’ first offensive snap. For New Orleans, Estime left during the second quarter after taking a hit to the knees, while rookie defensive tackle Christen Miller exited shortly before halftime. Jacksonville will return home to face the Carolina Panthers on Friday night. New Orleans will travel west for practices in California before facing the Los Angeles Rams on Aug. 22.

While the Saints did not leave their preseason opener with a victory, Wilson’s performance gave New Orleans another storyline to watch. If he continues producing explosive plays and taking care of the football, the competition behind Shough could become one of the more intriguing battles on the Saints’ roster.