The New Orleans Saints are back in the Superdome this afternoon, hosting the Jacksonville Jaguars in their second preseason matchup.
Preseason games may not impact the regular-season standings, but they play a huge role in shaping rosters and determining who earns key roles.
Saints fans will get another look at rookies, young players, and position battles that could carry over into the regular season.
Here are five key matchups to watch for today’s game.
1. QB Tyler Shough
The second-round rookie gets his second start today. Shough showed resilience last week by bouncing back from a pick-six to fire a 54-yard touchdown strike.
Every snap matters in the Saints’ unsettled QB competition, and this game could push him closer to securing that starting role.
2. LT Kelvin Banks Jr
The first round pick started at left tackle in week one and didn’t allow a single pressure in 12 pass-protection snaps.
His continued development is crucial for protecting whoever wins the QB job, and tonight is another step in his adjustment to NFL speed.
3. Saints run defense
New Orleans allowed 148 rushing yards in their preseason opener, and that’s an area that needs cleaning up fast.
The Jaguars’ rushing attack, led by Travis Etienne and rookie depth pieces, will test whether the Saints’ defensive lineman can hold their ground.
This is a key battle for players on the roster bubble trying to prove they can be part of the rotation.
As per Ross Jackson, expect to see a lot of rookie Fadil Diggs, Jeremiah Martin, and Isaiah Foskey.
4. LB Danny Stutsman
The fourth-round rookie impressed in his debut, wearing the green dot on defense and recording three tackles in 28 snaps.
His leadership and physicality have coaches excited about his potential to carve out real playing time this year.
5. WR Mason Tipton
Tipton stole headlines with a 54-yard touchdown catch from Shough in week one. The second-year product is battling for a back-end roster spot, and continued splash plays will make him hard to cut. His chemistry with Shough is something to watch closely.