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

The Jacksonville Jaguars will face off against the New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football. One of the biggest storylines surrounding the primetime bout is whether Trevor Lawrence will suit up. Currently, the third-year quarterback is listed as questionable after suffering a knee injury in Week 6.

Following the Jags' 37-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts, Lawrence said he was feeling fine. He then told the local media Tuesday that he was feeling better than he expected. Although backup quarterback C.J. Beathard got all first-team reps Tuesday, he said Lawrence will most likely start against the Saints.

All signs point toward Lawrence lining up behind center Thursday but if has a setback and isn't good to go, here are four reasons the Jaguars can beat New Orleans with Beathard at the helm.

4. The running game is clicking, the Jaguars can lean on Travis Etienne

Travis Etienne has been an integral part of the Jaguars offense since he supplanted James Robinson in the lineup last year. Six weeks into the 2023 season, he ranks sixth in rushing yards and leads the league in broken tackles with 29.

Although Etienne only managed 55 yards on 18 carries (3.1 yards per carry average) against the Colts in Week 6, he reached the end zone twice and is a threat to break off a long run at any given time. The Jags made an effort to establish the run during their three-game winning streak and they'll most likely try to do it again in Week 7.

New Orleans currently ranks ninth in the NFL in both rushing yards and rushing touchdowns allowed. However, that number looks better than it truly is because they held the New England Patriots to just 45 yards in Week 5. Leaving that game outside, the Saints have given up 100 rushing yards or more four times this season. Expect heavy doses of Travis Etienne in primetime.

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.

2. The Jaguars defense will pick up the slack vs. the Saints in Week 7

The Jaguars defense has come through this season and has given them a chance week in and week out. Although they rank 15th in points allowed and 21st in total yards, they've made it extremely difficult for opponents to reach the end zone. The only time they couldn't keep a team in check was in Week 3, when the Houston Texans scored 37 points.

Leaving points aside, the Jags excel at creating turnovers. They currently lead the league with 15. On top of that, they're adept at stopping the run. Even though they gave up 127 rushing yards to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 4, they surrendered a combined 73 yards the past two games.

Once opposing teams realize they won't succeed running the ball, they are forced to move the ball through the air but the Jaguars have also shown the ability to bring the heat. Outside linebacker Josh Allen leads the league in total pressures and has already logged as many sacks (seven) as he got last year. With an improved Travon Walker opposite Allen, Buffalo, and the Colts struggled to contain the Jacksonville pass rush the past two weeks.

The icing on the cake is the eventual return of DaVon Hamilton, the Jaguars' best defensive lineman. Ham suffered a non-football injury in the preseason and began the regular season on Injury Reserve. The team activated his 21-day window to return last week and has been a full participant in practice heading into Thursday Night Football. Having him back against the Saints would be huge.

1. The Saints are dealing with injuries of their own heading into Thursday Night Football

Even if Trevor Lawrence suits up, there's a chance the Jaguars will be without cornerback Tyson Campbell (hamstring) and right guard Brandon Scherr (ankle), two of their best players. The silver lining is that Jacksonville isn't dealing with as many injuries as New Orleans.

The Saints' injury report heading into Thursday looks bleak. Quarterback Derek Carr sprained his AC a few weeks ago but hasn't missed any time and practiced without limitations Tuesday. On the other hand, New Orleans could be without a handful of key players, starting with linebacker Damarius Davis (knee), who was listed as a non-participant on the injury report.

Offensive guard James Hurst, right tackle Ryan Ramczyk, and tight end Juwan Johnson also missed Tuesday's practice. Offensive guard Andrus Peat, Chris Olave, safety Mathieu, and running back Jamaal Williams, who's missed four games this season, were limited participants.

This means that even with Derek Carr in the fold, the Saints, especially their offensive line, won't be at full strength for Thursday. This potentially gives the Jaguars a slight edge in the trenches, one they'll try to take advantage of.

It's true that the game will be held at the Superdome and the Saints fanbase will make it as loud as possible but the Jaguars have enough talent in place to get their fifth win of the year.

Here are other recent Jaguars stories you may also enjoy: