Saints: 4 quick takeaways from preseason win vs. Jaguars

The New Orleans Saints took on the Jaguars in their second preseason game of 2021 and here’s what we learned about the black and gold after the game concluded.

1. Marquez Callaway put on a show

In case you haven’t heard by now, Marquez Callaway had himself a night in the Caesars Superdome, grabbing five catches for 104 yards and two touchdowns. This all came in the first quarter of action too and Callaway went from a rather unknown player to someone on most people’s radars now.

Callaway proved he can be a starting-caliber wide receiver with this performance and it was only fitting that he was pulled after the first quarter. He earned a night off after putting up those numbers.

2. QB battle notes

Jameis Winston silenced the naysayers with what he was able to do in his quarter of work. On the first series alone, Winston went a perfect 4-for-4, which was capped off by a touchdown to Callaway. Winston finished his night going 9-of-10 for 123 yards and two touchdowns (both to Callaway) and really made it hard for Taysom Hill right out of the gates.

Hill went 11-of-20 for 138 yards and one touchdown while getting sacked twice. He was playing with the backups but Winston had to play with the backups last week, which is worth noting. That’s how the Saints have been handling this battle to this point and Winston definitely took the lead in the competition.

It’s also worth noting that Hill was given more than enough opportunities to do something, as he entered the game late in the first quarter and didn’t exit until late in the third quarter. We all know how much Sean Payton loves Hill and he proved that by giving him every chance to show he deserved to stay in the running for the starting job.

3. Tony Jones Jr. running with the 1s

It wasn’t surprising to see Alvin Kamara not playing but Tony Jones Jr. taking snaps with the 1s was a bit surprising. Then again, he stole the show last week against the Ravens and picked right up where he left off in this contest, rushing for 24 yards off five carries with a long of 11 yards.

Jones was originally not someone fans expected to make the final roster but he’s showing that he belongs on the 53-man roster. Another solid performance from him in the preseason finale and duds from Latavius Murray and/or Devonta Freeman could result in Jones going from a long-shot to make the team to the backup running back, and he’s running as if he knows that’s the case .

4. Lil’Jordan Humphrey made his catches count

While Callaway was getting the most buzz (and for good reason), Lil’Jordan Humphrey also made sure to do all he could to impress during his time on the field. He was working with the second team and had four nice catches, ending the night with 74 yards receiving and a touchdown.

Humphrey is someone who can definitely up his stock on the depth chart with some nice outings in preseason and he did just that on Monday night. His touchdown catch from Hill was a gem and he showed he can fit right in with this receiver room.

These were just a few of the takeaways from the Saints’ victory over Jacksonville and there’s just one game left to go in the preseason.