The 2026 NFL preseason officially kicked off at the Caesars Superdome on Saturday afternoon, and for two quarters, Kellen Moore’s new-look offense gave Who Dat Nation plenty to cheer about. Behind an explosive special teams return, efficient quarterback play, and flashes from rookie playmakers, the New Orleans Saints raced out to a 20-6 halftime lead over the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, football is a four-quarter game. With the second- and third-string depth units taking over after halftime, the Jaguars scored 18 unanswered points in the second half to hand the Saints a 24-20 exhibition loss. Preseason wins and losses don't count in the standings, but the tape from Saturday provides essential data as the front office prepares to trim the roster. Here are four major takeaways from the Saints' 2026 opener. 1. Ty Chandler and the New Return Rules Deliver Early Fireworks It took precisely 21 seconds for the Caesars Superdome crowd to get on its feet. On the opening kickoff under the league's modern alignment rules, veteran running back Ty Chandler fielded the ball, found a seam off the right guard, and exploded down the sideline for an 86-yard return. It was the longest preseason kickoff return by a Saint since Larry Beavers’ 97-yarder back in 2010. One snap later, running back Audric Estimé punched in a 9-yard touchdown to give New Orleans an immediate 7-0 lead. With special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi placing heavy emphasis on return lane blocking, Chandler's explosive opener proves that the Saints' return game could be a genuine weapon in 2026. 2. Zach Wilson Steals the Quarterback Spotlight While Spencer Rattler earned the starting nod under center—completing 8 of 11 passes for 42 yards with a lost fumble—it was veteran backup Zach Wilson who provided the biggest offensive jolt. Playing with second-team skill position groups, Wilson displayed poise, quick processing, and impressive arm strength downfield:
Passing Line: 11-of-16 for 145 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT (123.2 Passer Rating). Deep Ball Connection: Wilson connected with wideout Bub Means on explosive gains of 27 and 37 yards, while hitting rookie speedster Barion Brown on a crisp 28-yard post route. Red-Zone Touchdown: Wilson capped an impressive drive late in the second quarter with a 1-yard touchdown pass to rookie tight end Oscar Delp following a Jayden Price interception.
While Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler remain the central figures in the starting competition, Wilson's performance provided a reminder of why veteran quarterback depth is invaluable. 3. Young Pass Catchers Flash Deep Potential With starters Chris Olave and Juwan Johnson watching from the sideline, young receivers stepped up into primary roles. Second-year wideout Bub Means led all receivers with four catches for 77 yards, displaying remarkable adjustments on contested catches down the sideline. Sixth-round pick Barion Brown was equally sharp, hauling in four catches for 53 yards and demonstrating how his 4.32 speed translates under live lights. On defense, linebacker Jaylan Ford picked off a Nick Mullens pass at the Saints' 4-yard line to kill an early Jacksonville drive, while edge disrupter Michael Heldman logged two first-half sacks to anchor a pass rush that tallied four sacks on the day. 4. Second-Half Depth and Kicking Questions The second-half collapse revealed where the Saints still need work. Undrafted Jaguars running back J'Mari Taylor ran for 78 second-half yards, capping a comeback drive with a 2-yard touchdown with under five minutes remaining. Additionally, the kicking competition remains unresolved. While Tanner Brown nailed field goals from 49 and 29 yards, incumbent Charlie Smyth missed a 52-yard attempt wide right in the third quarter. Roster Takeaways
Bub Means & Barion Brown (WR): Both receivers earned major efficiency marks. Means is locking down a firm grip on WR4 snaps, while Brown’s versatility makes him an intriguing late-round flyer in dynasty drafts. Saints Defense/Special Teams: Generating four sacks, two interceptions, and an 86-yard return in 30 minutes of first-half play highlights the high fantasy floor Brandon Staley and Darren Rizzi are building in New Orleans.
What's Next The Saints won't have long to dwell on the second-half slip. The team travels to Southern California on Monday, August 17, for a week of West Coast training camp practices. New Orleans will conduct high-intensity joint practices with the San Francisco 49ers later this week before taking the field at Levi's Stadium for Preseason Week 2 on Sunday, August 23. Expect Kellen Moore to give Tyler Shough extended starting reps under center against San Francisco's first-team defense.