The New Orleans Saints faced the Jacksonville Jaguars in a 2026 preseason matchup at the Caesars Superdome. While the Saints' defense showed significant promise, the team ultimately fell short with a 24-20 loss.
Michael Heldman’s two-sack performance in the first half
Undrafted free agent Michael Heldman emerged as a standout force for the Saints' front seven during the opening contest. As reported in the game summary, Heldman recorded three tackles and two sacks within the first thirty minutes of play. His ability to pressure quarterbacks and pursue runners across the field provided a much-needed spark for the New Orleans defensive unit.
The defensive effort was largely successful in the early stages of the game , as the Saints managed to limit the Jacksonville Jaguars to just 82 yards of total offense during the first half. This defensive surge was bolstered by four total sacks and two interceptions, signaling that the Saints' depth players can compete at a high level.. The performance by Heldman, in particular, suggests that the team may have found a significant contributor in the undrafted market.
Zach Wilson’s 145-yard outing under pressure
Quarterback Zach Wilson delivered a composed performance that could have major implications for his standing on the roster. according to the match details, Wilson completed 11 of his 16 pass attempts for 145 yards, including a touchdown pass to rookie tight end Means. His ability to maintain poise in the pocket was a highlight for an offense that struggled with consistency throughout the game.
This performance comes at a critical juncture for Wilson, as the report notes that his "bubble is getting closer." For a veteran looking to solidify his role, the ability to move the ball effectively against the Jaguars' defense serves as a vital proof of concept. His connection with the rookie tight end suggests that the Saints' passing attack has potential, provided the offensive line can offer sustained protection.
The unrecorded yardage for rookie tight end Means
While the connection between Wilson and rookie tight end Means was a bright spot, the specific impact of the rookie remains unclear due to incomplete data. The report mentions that Means was a reliable target for various quarterbacks, making difficult catches in the middle of the field, yet his exact statistical contribution was left unverified. Specifically, the source fails to provide the total yardage or the specific number of receptions attributed to him, noting only that he "skedaddled his way to XXXX for XXX yards."
This lack of clarity leaves fans and analysts wondering exactly how much of the offensive production can be credited to the rookie. Was Means a primary engine for the moving chains,or merely a secondary option? Until the full statistical breakdown is released, his true value to the Saints' tight end corps remains an open question.
Spencer Rattler’s fumble and the offensive depth chart
The offensive struggles of the Saints were punctuated by a difficult outing for quarterback Spencer Rattler. Unlike the steady play seen from Wilson, Rattler struggled to establish a rhythm with his receivers and committed a costly fumble during the contest. This error highlights the volatility currently present in the Saints' quarterback room as the preseason progresses.
The instability extended to the offensive line as well, with guard Torricelli Simpkins III having a sub-optimal performance. Simpkins has been a notable figure in training camp, having moved up the depth chart over the last two weeks, but his struggles on Saturday suggest that the interior line is still a work in progress. These combined errors in the backfield and the pocket likely prevented the Saints from overcoming the Jaguars' 24-point total.
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