Full Breakdown
Saints’ Preseason Outlook: Defensive Dominance, Offensive Woes, and Limited Starter Play
8/13/2026, 2:27:19 AM
Core Event – Saints Set to Face Jaguars with Starters Mostly on the Bench
New Orleans will open its preseason against the Jacksonville Jaguars at 3 p.m. CT on Saturday in the Caesars Superdome. Head coach Kellen Moore said most first-team players are expected to sit, using Thursday’s joint practice with Jacksonville as the primary evaluation period for starters. The game will therefore serve as an extended audition for backups and players on the roster bubble.
Defensive Performance Highlights
The Saints’ defense continued to outshine the offense in camp. Martin Emerson Jr., the fifth-year cornerback, recorded three pass break-ups and an interception, nearly adding a second. Carl Granderson generated constant pressure from the edge, repeatedly forcing opposing tackles to adjust. In the linebacker corps, veteran Kaden Elliss started alongside Danny Stutsman, who is solidifying a role over longtime starter Peter Werner. Safety Quincy Riley added another interception during the main practice session. Injuries limited Cameron Jordan (hamstring) and Davon Godchaux (ankle) to the sidelines.
Offensive Struggles in Camp
Quarterback play remained uneven. Tyler Shough completed 15 of 27 passes and threw two interceptions, including a red-zone pick. Spencer Rattler went 7-for-9 with one interception, while Zach Wilson posted a 9-for-15 effort with no turnovers but limited impact. Situational mistakes were prominent: a false start on third-and-2 with 14 seconds left, followed by a fourth-and-1 touchdown conversion, and another false start by tight end Juwan Johnson with under 45 seconds remaining.
Data & Statistics
- Turnovers in practice: Shough, Rattler, Wilson.
- Completion percentages: Shough 55 %, Rattler 78 %, Wilson 60 %.
- Last season’s rushing: 28th in the league, 94.3 yards per game, 3.7 yards per carry.
- Defensive takeaways: Emerson Jr. (1 interception, 3 break-ups), Riley (1 interception).
Official Statements & Responses
- “Yeah, we’ll get through this joint practice, and then we’ll kind of see where our numbers are,” — Kellen Moore, coach
Coach Moore emphasized that the joint practice will determine “where our numbers are” and noted that Shough continues to test himself.
On-the-Ground Reports
LouisianaSports noted rookie wide receiver Bryce Lance catching a deep touchdown from Rattler, showcasing his route-running and ability to adjust after a prior coverage break-up by veteran cornerback Isaac Yiadom. The defense held Shough to a 2-of-7 passing day, limiting the offense in the red zone until a late touchdown pass from Wilson to Jalen Moreno-Cropper.
What’s Next – Upcoming Preseason Schedule
- Saturday: Jaguars at Caesars Superdome (3 p.m. CT).
- Wednesday: Road game vs. Los Angeles Rams.
- Monday: Final preseason matchup vs. Dallas Cowboys.
The Saints will use these contests to finalize the 53-man roster, assess depth on both sides of the ball, and address the offensive inconsistencies highlighted throughout training camp.
