Key matchups: Saints vs. Jaguars

METAIRIE, LOUISIANA - AUGUST 03: Spencer Rattler #2 of the New Orleans Saints and Barion Brown #19 of the New Orleans Saints react during training camp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center on August 03, 2026 in Metairie, Louisiana. (Photo by Morgan Simmons/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The New Orleans Saints finally return to action, hosting the Jacksonville Jaguars in a Preseason Week 1 matchup. Both teams will play with limited starters, as they have a scheduled joint practice on Thursday, with starters getting plenty of playing time then.

Despite a lack of starters, there are still plenty of key matchups to hone in on as the Saints look for their first win of the preseason.

Saints pass protection vs. Jaguars pass rush

Third-year quarterback Spencer Rattler will be the concentration for Saturday’s matchup. Rattler won the quarterback battle last preseason and has valuable playing time as a starter. Despite going 1-7 as the starter last season, Rattler’s talent and experience should be the difference in the game.

Despite this, Rattler has shown a struggle to make plays under pressure, and it will only be emphasized behind the backup offensive line. The offensive line will also be missing Dillon Radunz, who tore his ACL during training camp.

Despite injuries and question marks at depth, there are plenty of names to look out for. Jeremiah Wright has the chance to see increased playing time pending his shoulder injury, and Saints fans will get another look at Torricelli Simpkins III, who stood out last season.

Offensive line depth has been a struggle for the black and gold in recent years. Facing a young and inexperienced Jaguars pass rush, we will get a close look at how the offensive line reserves look in-game action.

Saints wide receivers vs. Jaguars secondary

Similar to the offensive line, the Saints have struggled with wide receiver depth in recent seasons. New Orleans has always been one Chris Olave injury away from most teams’ WR5 being their WR1.

The Saints addressed them heavily in the 2026 NFL Draft, adding three wide receivers in six rounds. Of these wideouts, fourth-round pick Bryce Lance and sixth-round pick Barrion Brown should see the most playing time. Brown has been one of the best players during training camp, and the preseason will give him the best chance to earn playing time on offense rather than remaining a special teamer, which he was initially drafted for.

Jacksonville has some interesting players in the secondary who would likely see playing time. From Tulane’s Caleb Ransaw and cornerback Jarrian Jones, the Jaguars have promising talent waiting for their chance. If Rattler finds any success in the preseason, it will likely be due to a developing connection with the Saints’ young wideouts.

Saints secondary vs. Jaguars pass catchers

Going into the season, the Saints’ biggest concerns revolved around their young secondary. Highlighted by cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry, the majority of New Orleans’ projected secondary is on rookie contracts. Even after the addition of Martin Emerson Jr, it appears the Saints are rolling with McKinstry and Quincy Riley as their boundary corners according to the newest depth chart.

I’m expecting Riley to get some solid playtime in Saturday’s game alongside Emerson. Jacksonville has a strong trio of wideouts with Brian Thomas Jr, Parker Washington, and Jakobi Meyers, and despite them not expected to play all starters, we’ll likely see atleast of the three. They also have solid depth, with Travis Hunter still listed as a wideout on the depth chart and rookie receiver J0sh Cameron.

Saturday should be a good preview of how the Saints’ secondary has developed over the offseason, specifically revolving Riley and Emerson. We may also get a preview of Jonas Sanker in the slot.

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: Yahoo Sports. Open at source →