11 instant reactions from Jaguars' uneven win in preseason opener vs. Saints

The Jacksonville Jaguars got off to an underwhelming start in the preseason opener, giving up a long return and later allowing a touchdown on the New Orleans Saints' first offensive drive. Things didn't get much better in the first half, as the Jags were trailing 20-17 going into the third quarter. However, something clicked in the second half.

The Jacksonville special teams played much better after giving up a long return to start the game. The defense managed to make a few key stops, and the offense managed to hit its stride.

In the end, the Jags did enough to trounce the Saints 24-20. Although the win won't count in the standings, there were many things that stood out (for the better and the worse). With this in mind, here are 11 instant reactions from Jacksonville's loss to the Saints.

Instant observations from the Jaguars' outing in the preseason opener vs. the Saints

1. The Jaguars gave up a big kickoff return on the very first play of the game. The special teams unit played much better as the contest progressed, so you can shrugged as a result of communication. That said, it will be something worth monitoring the next two weeks.

2. If it wasn't painfully obvious in training camp, it's now after one preseason game: Jacksonville needs better depth behind Trevor Lawrence. Nick Mullens was dreadful, going 3-of-7 for 33 yards with one pick that was the result of an underthrown pass.

3. Nick Mullens wasn't the only quarterback who struggled, though. Carter Bradley has shown progress, but he threw an interception when targeting CJ Williams in double coverage.

On a different drive, Bradley tossed another would-be pick. At least he played much better in the second half, but Jacksonville needs to strongly consider bringing in outside help.

3. The depth on the offensive line keeps getting tested. Chuma Edoga suffered an injury early in the contest and didn't return. With Walker Little and Patrick Mekari missing time, he would've gotten the start at right tackle if this had been the season opener.

4. The Jaguars are stacked at cornerback, which made cornerback Corey Ballentine a long shot to make the team. His odds of sticking around took a hit when he gave up a long reception in the second quarter. On the following defensive series, he gave up another. Ballentine signed in training camp, but his days in Duval appear to be numbered.

5. Conversely, Yasir Abdullah increased his odds of making the 53-man roster with a strong outing against the Saints. The fourth-year linebacker had a special-teams tackle and also forced a fumble that sophomore B.J. Green II promptly recovered.

6. B.J. Green II is making a bid to be the No. 3 pass rusher behind Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen. He increased his chances of getting the job after the preseason. Danny Striggow also made plays (he had 0.5 sacks), but Green stood out more.

7. The running game is a work in progress, with J'Mari Taylor and DeeJay Dallas registering a combined 12 carries for a measly 27 yards (2.25 yards per carry). Some of the issues stemmed from the offensive line's inability to open lanes. Liam Coen has talked about getting rid of the stink from last year. He's probably not thrilled with how things went in the preseason opener.

8. The silver lining is that the running back kind of showed signs of life in the second half, with J'Mari Taylor breaking off a couple of 10+ yard runs. In fact, he finished the game with 19 totes for 72 yards and a touchdown, so not all was lost. Then again, they came against the Saints backups, so you may want to wait to uncork the champagne.

9. There was an Albert Regis sighting in the third quarter. The rookie defensive tackle has his work cut out, but he flashed the ability to get after the quarterback.

10. Chandler Brayboy, Brady Boyd, and Austin Trammell made plays, but all three face an uphill battle to make the team, given how stacked the Jags are at receiver. That said, they could be competing for a roster spot or a chance to land with another team.

On the other side of the spectrum, you have Trebor Pena. The undrafted rookie had two catches for 15 yards but also dropped a pass that would've been a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Working in his favor is that he later bounced back with a 43-yard grab, so he isn't entirely out of the picture.

Either way, Jacksonville has enviable depth at receiver going into the regular season.

11. Bryan Thomas Jr., the pass rusher, not the receiver, also had a sack near the end of the game. He's a long shot to make the team, but would work his way onto the practice squad if he keeps making plays.

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