The final score doesn’t tell the whole story, as the Jags were thoroughly outplayed on Monday night and still have plenty to figure out before their season opener September 12th at Houston. 

The offense struggled to move the ball once again. Trevor Lawrence, who was officially announced as the Week 1 starter earlier today, went 14/23 for 113 yards, only really finding any success on underneath patterns. Continuing the trend from last week against Cleveland, Marvin Jones and Laviska Shenault were involved early and often. The two combined for nine catches, but only compiled 77 yards. The return of D.J. Chark will be a major factor in the development of the passing game, as Jacksonville needs a deep threat that can stretch a secondary out. 

James Robinson will be running the show again this year from the backfield group, as rookie first round pick Travis Etienne went down with a Lisfranc injury last night. Early reports are that season ending surgery is coming next, a disappointing blow to a rebuilding offense. Hindsight is 20/20, but it certainly looks like the Jags could have used an offensive lineman with the 25th overall pick in the 2021 draft instead of Etienne, as Lawrence was continually pressured throughout Monday’s game. The biggest playing time beneficiary is likely to be Carlos Hyde, but considering the role Urban Meyer had planned for Etienne, don’t be surprised to see Tavon Austin used as more of a gadget-type player to create mismatches. 

The defense struggled to contain the Saints passing game. Jameis Winston started the game and went 9/10 for 123 yards and two touchdowns, while only playing a quarter. Both touchdowns went to Marquez Callaway, who certainly looked up to the task of being New Orleans’ go-to guy until Michael Thomas is back in the fold. Callaway finished the game with five catches and 104 yards to go with the two scores. To add insult to injury, both of Callaway’s touchdowns came against coverage from Shaquill Griffin, one of Jacksonville’s biggest free agency signings coming into the year. 

Brandon Linder and Andrew Norwell, both fixtures along the offensive line from last year, were held out Monday due to injury, as was defensive end Josh Allen due to COVID-19 protocol. It’s important not to react impulsively during the preseason, especially considering the team wasn’t at full strength, but the Jaguars need to make a quick turn-around to avoid a rebuilding year turning into a lost season.