4 reasons the Jaguars can beat the Saints even if Trevor Lawrence doesn't play

3. The Jaguars will have no shortage of weapons vs. the Saints in Week 7

The Jaguars have poured lots of resources into the offense. In 2022, they signed Christian Kirk, Zay Jones, tight end Evan Engram, and right guard Brandon Scherff. They didn't make a splash signing in free agency this year but they used a first-round pick on right tackle Anton Harrison and a second on tight end Brenton Strange. On top of that, they acquired Calvin Ridley from the Atlanta Falcons before the 2022 trade deadline.

The goal was to ensure Trevor Lawrence has the best possible supporting cast but if he isn't good to go Thursday, C.J. Beathard will have a wide array of weapons — and enough protection — at his disposal to beat the Saints.

Heading into Week 6, Engram is tied for the most catches in the league with 36. Christian Kirk's 33 receptions are second in the team and Ridley gives the Jaguars a bonafide WR1 that opponents can't afford to overlook. Even if Jones, who is currently dealing with a knee injury, doesn't suit up, Beathard will have more than enough weapons to put points on the scoreboard.

Beathard should also have good protection throughout the game. Anton Harrison has played much better after a slow start to his rookie campaign and Brandon Scherff is playing at a Pro Bowl level. Add the return of left tackle Cam Robinson, a highly respected veteran, and Beathard should have enough time to throw the ball.

There's no denying that there's a dropoff from Trevor Lawrence to C.J. Beathard but the latter doesn't have to play at an elite level to beat the Saints. He simply has to avoid mistakes and get the ball to his playmakers.