By Hays Carlyon
The Jaguars looked the part Sunday in New Orleans.
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence was sharp, as was the defense, as the Jaguars built a 17-3 halftime lead. The Saints rarely got close to Lawrence as the Jaguars offensive line, playing without Chuma Edoga and Anton Harrison, dominated both in pass protection and in the ground game.
Lawrence directed two series, finishing the second with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Parker Washington. The Jaguars sat Travis Hunter and Dyami Brown, so Lawrence was without two of his top weapons.
Lawrence completed 8 of 10 passes for 76 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions for a passer rating of 131.7. He looked comfortable and in rhythm throughout.
Lawrence’s lone blemish was a fumble that ended a drive that had pushed to the New Orleans 11-yard line. He got stepped on after taking the snap, tripped and his attempted handoff to Bisgby was botched.
All four running backs had moments.
Tank Bigsby started the game and had a nice 19-yard catch on a screen pass. That’s encouraging as the physical Bigsby tries to elevate his all-around game.
Travis Etienne had a couple decisive runs up the middle. He converted a third-and-3 situation with a 6-yard run.
Rookie Bhayshul Tuten scored again. This time on a 3-yard run.
Rookie LeQuint Allen gained 26 yards on four touches.
All of these contributions occurred in the first half. That’s massive production.
Combined the group carried 12 times for 65 yards and caught six passes for 45 yards in the first half alone.
Tight ends Brenton Strange (two catches for 22 yards) and Hunter Long (two catches for 32 yards) helped the offense convert 6 of 7 third-down situations.
The defense pressured Saints quarterback Tyler Shough consistently in the two series they were in for. Safety Andrew Wingard and linebacker Ventrell Miller had first-half sacks, while defensive end Travon Walker forced Shough to commit an intentional grounding penalty.
After a shaky last week going back to the preseason opening loss to Pittsburgh, this was a significant step in the right direction. New Orleans might be the worst team in the league this season. However, this was more about the Jaguars looking more disciplined and organized. Those elements were greatly improved. The execution was certainly a nice bonus as well.
(You can email Hays at [email protected] and follow him on X/Twitter @HaysCarlyon).
