The Jacksonville Jaguars overcame a 14-point halftime deficit to defeat the New Orleans Saints 24-20 in their 2026 preseason opener at Caesars Superdome. With most starters sitting out following the teams’ joint practice, the game became an important evaluation opportunity for young players and roster hopefuls.
Here are five plays that helped turn the game in Jacksonville’s favor.
1. Yasir Abdullah’s Strip-Sack Changes the Momentum
The Jaguars’ defense immediately showed its ability to create pressure. Linebacker Yasir Abdullah, with help from rookie defensive end Wesley Williams, chased down Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler and finished the play with a strip-sack.
B.J. Green II recovered the fumble at the Saints’ 7-yard line, giving Jacksonville an excellent scoring opportunity. The Jaguars settled for Cam Little’s 32-yard field goal, cutting the deficit to 7-6.
It was the beginning of a strong night for Jacksonville’s pass rush, which continued to pressure Saints quarterbacks throughout the game.
2. Ruke Orhorhoro’s Sack Forces Another Saints Punt
Defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro provided another major defensive play early in the contest. On third-and-5 from the Saints’ 14-yard line, Jacksonville used a blitz and a pass-rush stunt to disrupt New Orleans’ protection.
Orhorhoro and Danny Striggow combined for the sack, forcing the Saints to punt. Orhorhoro later helped make another crucial third-down stop, showing the type of disruptive presence Jacksonville needs from its defensive-line depth.
3. Carter Bradley Engineers a 79-Yard Touchdown Drive
Trailing 20-6 to begin the second half, Jacksonville desperately needed a response. Third-team quarterback Carter Bradley provided it.
Bradley completed all four of his passes on a 79-yard, 10-play drive, spreading the ball among multiple receivers and helping Jacksonville move the chains six times. He capped the possession with a one-yard touchdown pass to tight end Hunter Long.
The drive gave the Jaguars belief and demonstrated that their offense could function effectively even with its deepest reserves on the field.
4. J’Mari Taylor Provides the Spark
Running back J’Mari Taylor was one of Jacksonville’s biggest offensive difference-makers. During that pivotal touchdown drive, the undrafted rookie rushed four times for 32 yards, including runs of 10 and 13 yards.
Taylor repeatedly created yards after contact and kept the offense ahead of the chains. His performance was particularly important because Jacksonville emphasized the value of running backs creating extra or “hidden” yardage.
5. Taylor Finishes the Comeback, Muhammad Finishes the Game
The Jaguars saved their biggest sequence for the fourth quarter.
Rookie quarterback Joey Aguilar connected with Trebor Peña for a 43-yard completion down the left sideline, taking Jacksonville all the way to the Saints’ 2-yard line. On the very next play, Taylor powered through a tackle for a two-yard touchdown that gave the Jaguars their first lead, 24-20.
But the defense still had one final test.
New Orleans reached the Jaguars’ 2-yard line on the final possession, putting the Saints in position to steal the game. First-year cornerback Jabbar Muhammad broke up Hunter Dekkers’ pass intended for Jalen Cropper, ending the threat and preserving Jacksonville’s comeback victory.
The Jaguars ultimately scored 18 unanswered second-half points to erase the 20-6 deficit.
For Jacksonville, the victory was less about the preseason record and more about the players who made winning plays when their opportunities arrived. Taylor, Bradley, Aguilar, Muhammad and the defensive front all provided encouraging evidence that the Jaguars have meaningful depth entering the regular season.
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