The Jacksonville Jaguars head to the Massive Straightforward this Sunday to tackle the New Orleans Saints of their second recreation of the preseason. Listed below are three key matchups to look out for:
Travis Hunter vs Kevin Austin Jr
Because it’s preseason, it’s very troublesome to know who will likely be on the sphere and for the way lengthy. And because of this, predicting matchups is difficult. So let’s use these exhibition video games to focus on some names flashing as they battle for a roster spot, and who they might doubtlessly be up in opposition to.
One such title will likely be acquainted to Jaguars followers. Kevin Austin started his NFL profession in Jacksonville, signing as a UDFA after going undrafted out of Notre Dame in 2022. Regardless of apparent expertise he might by no means fairly crack the 53-man roster, and just lately had a spell within the UFL with the Birmingham Stallions. Now again within the league with the Saints, he’s pushing exhausting in preseason to problem a reasonably weak broad receiver group; final weekend in opposition to the Chargers, Austin was a uncommon vivid spot in a shoddy efficiency, reeling in 4 catches for 43 yards and usually trying energetic. One other efficiency like that on the Superdome on Sunday, and he will likely be within the dialog as New Orleans’ WR5 or WR6.
Lo and behold, beginning nook Tyson Campbell is coping with an undisclosed damage; a well-recognized story for the Jags. He’s thought of day-to-day by Liam Coen, and as such it will be shocking if we see him go well with up on Sunday. That might provide Travis Hunter extra alternatives on protection. The early indicators recommend Hunter will likely be a mainstay as a receiver and sprinkled into the secondary in an effort to handle his snap depend; little doubt Anthony Campanile will need a good have a look at him forward of the true motion to get a really feel of what he can deliver as a cornerback. The massive bodied Austin represents a bodily problem for Hunter.
Josh Hines-Allen vs Kelvin Banks Jr
How a lot do we actually study from a preseason recreation? Saturday’s tilt in opposition to the Pittsburgh Steelers was a backwards and forwards affair, however what was evident was the dearth of strain on Mason Rudolph. The Jags entrance seven solely actually obtained going as soon as Rudolph left the sphere, and contemplating he’s the backup in Pittsburgh who was going up in opposition to loads of starters in black & teal on the primary drive, a move rush enchancment will likely be anticipated in opposition to the Saints.
I think about we see just a little extra of Josh Hines-Allen on Sunday because the star edge defender seems to stand up to hurry forward of the common season. Normally aligned on the correct, Hines-Allen will probably be going through a rookie; Kelvin Banks was chosen ninth total on this yr’s NFL Draft after a stellar school profession with the Texas Longhorns. Little question Hines-Allen will likely be licking his chops and wanting to welcome Banks to the professional recreation, however the Saints’ new blindside protector comes with a robust resume. The 315lb lineman boasts the Outland Trophy, Lombardi Award and Jacobs Blocking trophy in his cupboard. While that doesn’t assure success on the subsequent stage, it reveals he’s performed at an elite stage thus far. Will probably be attention-grabbing to see if he has to take some early lumps or he can stymie top-of-the-line quarterback hunters within the NFL.
Bhayshul Tuten vs Jaylan Ford
While the established starters can use preseason for fine-tuning their our bodies or familiarizing themselves with the playbook, for many it’s a grotesque battle for a roster spot. It’s a numbers recreation; groups have an thought of what number of they need to carry at every place, and the one objective is to ensure you’re not decrease on the depth chart than that quantity. So it’s all the time attention-grabbing to see expertise shine once they have their alternative – and these two turned some heads final week…
Bhayshul Tuten has already established himself as a followers’ favorite, impressing along with his toughness, low heart of gravity and burst. He confirmed promise in opposition to the Steelers final week, his 24 yards on six carries not fairly doing his efficiency justice. He was an element within the passing recreation with two receptions, and recorded his first landing within the 4th quarter with an 8-yard run that was helped with team-effort scrum. If he will get one other probability to shine on Sunday, don’t count on him to waste it – Tuten probably has the within observe on the RB3 spot that ought to see him named to the ultimate 53 as soon as all is alleged and performed.
Somebody making an attempt to maintain him quiet will likely be Saints linebacker Jaylan Ford, who like Tuten can also be a rookie chosen on Day 3 of the NFL Draft this yr. Ford gave the impression to be the one one making an attempt to cease the Los Angeles Chargers final Sunday, racking up 5 tackles as he noticed loads of gametime within the second half. Buried on the depth chart in New Orleans, he’ll be on the lookout for one other robust efficiency on Sunday. Going up in opposition to Tuten is an intriguing backside of the roster battle.