Holy crap! We’re only a few days away from competitive Jacksonville Jaguars football!
As the Jags prepare to play the New Orleans Saints in Preseason Week 1, we sat down with Nic Jennings of Canal Street Chronicles to learn more about the opposing side.
Question 1: After consecutive fourth-place finishes in the NFC South, what are local expectations for the Saints this season? A winning season? A division title? Dare I suggest- a playoff push?
If you were to ask the Who Dat Nation, they’d probably tell you this team could go all the way.
But in all seriousness, considering the vibes around the facility and the talent on paper, the sky’s the limit for this Saints team. If Tyler Shough can build off his strong finish to his rookie season, I think this team will go as far as he can take them.
For me personally, I see a division title in sight. Time will tell if they can achieve that and turn it into a deep playoff run, but so far, Kellen Moore appears to be doing all the right things and has his team ready to compete in 2026.
Question 2: Eighth overall pick Jordyn Tyson has drawn plenty of hype in recent weeks, perhaps as much as any other NFL player during training camp this year. How do you see him meshing with WR Chris Olave and QB Tyler Shough in Kellen Moore’s offense?
Using a similar phrase to my previous answer, the sky’s the limit for that trio.
Chris Olave has shown that he is a superstar when healthy after earning Second-Team All-Pro honors last season. Tyler Shough has shown the ability to distribute the football to all of his playmakers and put them in favorable situations. Then you have Tyson, whose raw talent and physical ability are impossible to ignore.
For Tyson, it all comes down to staying healthy. He dealt with injury concerns throughout his college career, but when he’s healthy, much like Olave, he looks like a superstar in the making.
Like you said, Tyson has been lighting up the Saints’ offseason program, and the entire fanbase is excited to see him and Olave wreak havoc on opposing defenses.
Question 3: The Saints defense was quietly one of the most-improved and under-appreciated units in the league last season. What has that side of the ball excelled at under Brandon Staley, and which areas did they identify in the offseason as needing more growth?
Staley has done a great job with this defensive unit since his arrival. One thing to watch will be how the defense responds following the loss of field general Demario Davis. However, the Saints reunited with Kaden Elliss this offseason, and he has steadily developed into one of the league’s most underrated and versatile linebackers.
One area that has really excelled under Staley is the pass rush. New Orleans had dealt with inconsistency on the edge for years before Staley arrived. Last season, we saw a rejuvenated Cam Jordan post his seventh season with double-digit sacks, while Chase Young recorded the first double-digit sack season of his career. Young is steadily developing into one of the league’s premier pass rushers, while Carl Granderson has proven that he can consistently produce as well.
New Orleans also traded for Tyree Wilson during the draft and added Anfernee Jennings, so the pass rush should be a major strength for the Saints this season.
As far as an area that needs more growth, I’d personally point to the cornerback room. Kool-Aid McKinstry is expected to take a significant leap this season, while Quincy Riley now has a season under his belt after a decent rookie year. The questions start after those two, though.
The Saints added Martin Emerson, but he didn’t play a single snap in 2025 and has dealt with injuries throughout his career. Seventh-round pick TJ Hall has made a name for himself during camp, but veteran Isaac Yiadom has really struggled. The depth in that room could become a concern down the stretch of the season, so it’ll be interesting to see how they hold up against Jacksonville this week.
Question 4: What is the No. 1 question you have about the Saints that you’re hoping to have an answer to by the end of Saturday’s game?
Someone has to win this kicking competition, and so far, neither Charlie Smyth nor Tanner Brown has really established himself.
Smyth has the leg power, but he’s dealt with consistency issues throughout camp. The Irishman was expected to enter the season with a firm lead in the battle as he heads into his third season with the team, but Brown has kept the competition alive.
If both kickers struggle on Saturday, it could force New Orleans to explore the veteran market at the position. That’s probably the biggest thing I’ll be watching throughout the game.
Question 5: Do you expect the Saints to cover as 3.5-point favorites, and do you have a favorite player prop for the game?
I do. I think this Saints team is ready to show its home crowd that it’s hungry and prepared for the upcoming season.
If I had to pick a player prop, I’m going with Zach Wilson to throw a touchdown pass in the second half of Saturday’s game to help the Saints come out on top.
Thanks to Nic for taking the time to answer our questions!
What are your thoughts on the Preseason Week 1 matchup, Jaguars fans? Let us know in the comments!