Jaguars vs. Saints Thursday Night Football highlights: Jacksonville hangs on at Superdome

2024-12-19 02:54:12 Contact

Trevor Lawrence has earned a rest.

Playing through a left knee injury suffered four days earlier, the Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback was efficient – if not effervescent – but made his biggest play when his team needed it most. Lawrence’s 44-yard touchdown pass to Christian Kirk with 3:08 left in the fourth quarter proved decisive as the Jags outlasted the New Orleans Saints, 31-24, at the Superdome on Thursday night for their fourth consecutive win. Jacksonville (5-2) extended its AFC South lead while joining the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins as the conference’s only five-win clubs.

Lawrence completed 20 off 29 passes for 204 yards and, despite the bum knee, ran for a team-high 59 yards on eight carries. Travis Etienne, his teammate since their days at Clemson, scored a pair of touchdowns and linebacker Foyesade Oluokun returned a Derek Carr interception 24 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter.

The win was also Lawrence’s first at the Superdome, his final two seasons at Clemson ending with playoff losses at the famed Big Easy venue.

However, on Thursday, a game the Jags seemed to have in the bag after Oluokun’s score, came down to the wire and likely would have gone to overtime had Saints tight end Foster Moreau caught what seemed to be a gimme 6-yard TD pass from Carr in the game’s final minute. But Moreau couldn’t hang on, and Carr couldn’t convert on his final chance on fourth down as New Orleans dropped to 3-4. ― Nate Davis

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

NFL NEWSLETTER: Sign up now to get football news delivered to your inbox

Jaguars vs. Saints highlights

Travis Etienne ran for two touchdowns, Foyesade Oluokun returned an interception for a score, and Christian Kirk’s 44-yard touchdown after a short catch over the middle lifted the Jaguars to victory over the Saints.

Jaguars vs. Saints winners and losers

WINNERS

Jaguars: The Jaguars gave up a 24-9 lead in the fourth quarter, but were able to survive the Saints’ late rally.

The Jaguars broke a four-game losing streak against New Orleans. Prior to Thursday night, Jacksonville’s last victory versus the Saints was on Dec. 21, 2003.

The Jaguars are currently in first place in the AFC South. Jacksonville is 5-2 for the first time since 2007.

Jaguars LB Foyesade Oluokun: Oluokun’s led the NFL in tackles for two straight seasons. His play diagnosis and nose for the football was on display Thursday night.

Oluokun caught a deflected Carr pass and returned it 24 yards for a pick six.

The Jaguars linebacker produced a game-high 14 tackles, two pass deflections, one interception and a touchdown.

Oluokun is a well-respected leader on Jacksonville’s defense, and he shined in the victory.

Travis Etienne reached pay dirt twice: Etienne came into the night with a league-high 113 rushing attempts, 451 rushing yards and five rushing TDs.

The Jaguars running back tallied 77 yards from scrimmage (53 rushing yards and 24 receiving yards) and two touchdowns in the win.

Alvin Kamara only bright spot for Saints on offense: It seemed like Kamara was New Orleans' best and only source of offense for much of the night. Taking handoffs or catching passes out of the backfield, the versatile running back did a little of everything for a Saints offense that could barely move the ball without him.

Kamara had a total of 29 touches (17 carries and 12 receptions) for 153 yards from scrimmage. He led the Saints in carries, catches, rushing yards and receiving yards in the loss.

LOSERS

Derek Carr, Saints offense: The Carr-led Saints offense was booed multiple times Thursday night.

Carr and his wide receivers weren’t on the same page for much of the contest.

Credit to Carr and the Saints offense, they did rally back in the fourth quarter with two touchdowns to tie the game at 24 apiece. But three field goals through the first three quarters wasn’t good enough.

New Orleans’ best offense came on plays designed for Alvin Kamara or Taysom Hill runs.

Carr finished 33-of-55 passing for 301 yards. He had one touchdown and one interception. The Saints quarterback also appeared to injure his groin area late in the game.

Saints' third-down efficiency: The Saints were 3-18 on third downs. The team’s third-down inefficiency probably cost them the game.

Saints' poor red zone offense: The Saints went 2-5 in the red zone. New Orleans’ red zone struggles played a big role why they lost at home.

The most critical red zone mishap came on third down with 30 seconds in remaining in the fourth quarter when tight end Foster Moreau dropped a wide open game-tying touchdown.

Moreau’s drop was a microcosm of the Saints' red zone struggles on Thursday night. ― Tyler Dragon

Saints' Foster Moreau drops potential game-tying touchdown

Saints tight end Foster Moreau dropped a would-be game-tying touchdown in the back on the end zone with 30 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.

The back-breaking drop proved to be costly for the Saints. On fourth down, Derek Carr’s pass to wide receiver Chris Olave was broken up by cornerback Montaric Brown.

The Jaguars were able to get in victory formation after the Saints turned the ball over on downs. New Orleans finished the game 2-5 in the red zone. ― Tyler Dragon

Jaguars 31, Saints 24: Christian Kirk puts Jacksonville back on top

Christian Kirk caught a short pass over the middle from Trevor Lawrence and took it 44 yards to the house.

Kirk made the entire Saints defense look slow after he caught the football and ran up field for the score.

The Jaguars reclaimed the lead, 31-24, after the score.

Kirk has six catches, 90 yards and a touchdown in the game. ― Tyler Dragon

Saints 24, Jaguars 24: Game tied, thanks to Michael Thomas' highlight-reel TD catch

The Saints offense has found some life.

The Saints scored on just three plays after Jacksonville turned the ball over on downs.

Two of New Orleans’ three plays went to wide receiver Michael Thomas, including a great diving catch for a 17-yard touchdown. It was Thomas’ first touchdown of the season.

The Saints scored a two-point conversion after the touchdown to tie the contest 24 apiece.

New Orleans has scored touchdowns on two of its last three possessions after being held out of the end zone for three quarters. ― Tyler Dragon

Murphy's T-Law

A little more than two years ago, Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence fronted the first round of a 2021 NFL draft that included four other passers: Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, Justin Fields and Mac Jones. There was little debate at the time that Lawrence, the No. 1 overall pick, was a generational prospect and the best of this bunch, but few could have envisioned he could well be the only one of those quarterbacks to reach a second contract with the team that drafted him.

Lance has already been traded to the Dallas Cowboys, while Wilson, Fields and Jones all face uncertain futures heading into an offseason when their fifth-year options must be picked up or declined. A win tonight would be Lawrence's 18th in the NFL; the other four 2021 first-round QBs have a combined 35 victories. Lawrence's one Pro Bowl nod so far (2022) also matches the rest of the class, Jones earning one as a rookie but nowhere close since. ― Nate Davis

Jaguars 24, Saints 16: Taysom Hill reaches pay dirt

New Orleans was finally able to reach pay dirt.

On fourth-and-goal from the one-yard line, Taysom Hill took a direct snap in shotgun formation and found a hole on the left side for a 1-yard touchdown run.

The Saints are 4-5 on fourth downs in the game. ― Tyler Dragon

Jaguars 24, Saints 9: Derek Carr throws pick six

Derek Carr’s forced pass turned disastrous.

Carr tried to force a pass to wide receiver Rashid Shaheed, but it was deflected in the air and intercepted by Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun, who went 24 yards for a touchdown.

The Superdome crowd booed again after the pick six.

Oluokun’s interception increased Jacksonville’s lead, 24-9. ― Tyler Dragon

Jaguars 17, Saints 9: Blake Grupe adds third field goal

The Saints home fans have seen enough field goals.

The New Orleans crowd booed again when the Saints offense had to settle for three following an 11-play drive that went 52 yards to start the second half.

After the Saints offense was unable to convert a third-and-20, kicker Blake Grupe made a 42-yard field goal to make the score, 17-9.

Grupe’s made three of his four field goals tonight. ― Tyler Dragon

Taysom and 'Sweetness'

Since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, Hall of Fame RB Walter Payton is the only player to have more games (25) with a pass attempt, carry and catch than New Orleans utilityman Taysom Hill (20).

Hill has two carries for 12 yards so far tonight. ― Nate Davis

'D' Carr

The Saints entered tonight's game with the NFL's sixth-ranked scoring defense. The Raiders never ranked better than 20th in that category during QB Derek Carr's nine seasons with the franchise. Alas, like the other quarterbacks New Orleans has used since Drew Brees' retirement, Carr has yet to engineer an offense able to capably supplement the other side of the ball. ― Nate Davis

Saints hear boo birds

The Saints were booed multiple times in the first half after their offense failed to score a touchdown. New Orleans only scored three points off two Jacksonville turnovers.

The Saints offense went 0-2 in the red zone, and they are 1-8 on third downs. ― Tyler Dragon

Full Saints backfield failing

Tonight is the first time the Saints' new-look backfield has been completely available. RB Jamaal Williams, signed in the offseason after leading the NFL with 17 rushing touchdowns in 2022 (while in Detroit), started the first two weeks but missed the next four games with a hamstring injury. RB Alvin Kamara, the franchise's all-time leader in all-purpose yards, missed the first three weeks while serving a suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. And, of course, QB Derek Carr was signed in the offseason as the Saints continue to phase into their post-Drew Brees existence. But not a banner night thus far offensively. In fact, the Saints have only scored 19 points in the six quarters since they demolished the Patriots 34-0 in Week 5. Williams and Kamara have combined for 82 yards from scrimmage, 60 of them receiving yards from Kamara. Carr has completed 11 of 21 passes for 100 yards. ― Nate Davis

Jaguars 17, Saints 6: Fake punt leads to Jags field goal

Doug Pederson’s fourth-down gamble paid off.

The Jaguars called a fake punt on fourth-and-2. Jacksonville’s special teams unit snapped the football and the punter Logan Cooke threw a perfect pass to Tim Jones for a 13-yard gain.

The fake punt set up a successful 43-yard field goal by Brandon McManus.

Jacksonville has a 17-6 lead. ― Tyler Dragon

Jaguars 14, Saints 6: New Orleans settles for another field goal

The Saints are 0-2 in the red zone in the first half.

Derek Carr and the Saints converted a fourth-and-3 to keep their possession going, but their drive stalled again in the red zone.

On third-and-8 Carr couldn’t find an open receiver so he scrambled right for a short gain. The Saints again had to settle for a field goal.

Kicker Blake Grupe made a 35-yard field goal to cut New Orleans’ deficit, 14-6.

Grupe has now made two of three field goals in the game. ― Tyler Dragon

Real deal Ridley?

Entering tonight, Jags WR Calvin Ridley is averaging 4.3 receptions and 60.5 receiving yards per game during his six-game stint with Jacksonville ― right around his career pace outside of his 2020 outlier season with the Atlanta Falcons. That year, much of it played opposite Pro Bowler Julio Jones ― he missed seven games ― Ridley exploded for 90 receptions, 1,374 yards and nine TDs, all easily career highs save the TD production. So is Ridley Batman or Robin? The Jaguars will have to make that determination in the offseason, when his rookie contract ― it tolled one season after his 2022 suspension for a gambling violation ― expires and renders him a free agent (assuming he isn't franchised). Ridley has yet to be targeted in this game. ― Nate Davis

Jaguars 14, Saints 3: Travis Etienne finds end zone again

Two first quarter fumbles haven’t slowed down the Jags.

After holding New Orleans to a field goal after a muffed punt, the Jaguars went 75 yards down the field in seven plays to reach the end zone for the second time.

Jacksonville’s touchdown came on a nifty misdirection jet sweep. Jags QB Trevor Lawrence pitched the football to RB Travis Etienne and he raced down the left side for a 17-yard touchdown.

Etienne has six rushes, 30 yards and two touchdowns in the first half.

The New Orleans crowd booed after Etienne’s second touchdown. The Saints are down 14-3. ― Tyler Dragon

Jaguars 7, Saints 3: New Orleans unable to reach end zone after two early fumbles by Jacksonville

The Saints started their third possession on Jacksonville’s 17-yard line, thanks to a Jaguars muffed punt. But Jacksonville’s defense was able to keep New Orleans out of the end zone.

The Saints converted one first down and had first and goal from the 6-yard line, but their touchdown efforts failed on three attempts inside the 10-yard line.

New Orleans had to settle for a Blake Grupe short 23-yard field goal.

Grupe has made one of his two field goal attempts. ― Tyler Dragon

Two quick turnovers for Jaguars

The Saints got quick reprieves from their missed field goal. On the ensuing play, Jags WR Christian Kirk fumbled after a 19-yard gain, the ball forced from his grip by CB Paulson Adebo. New Orleans took over at its own 41 ... but didn't need long to go three-and-out. Yet the Saints got the ball right back on the Jacksonville 17-yard line after Tevaughn Campbell collided with Jags teammate Jamal Agnew, who was trying to field the punt. New Orleans recovered and is back in business. ― Nate Davis

Saints rookie kicker misses long field goal

Blake Grupe’s Week 7 is going similar to his Week 6.

The Saints rookie kicker missed two field goals last week, and he missed his first field goal attempt in Week 7.

Grupe sailed a 51-yard field goal wide right on New Orleans’ opening drive. ― Tyler Dragon

Spell broken

Travis Etienne, who entered Thursday leading the NFL in touches (134), became the first running back to score a TD against the Saints since Dec. 18, 2022. The only other rushing touchdown surrendered by New Orleans this season was a 1-yard run by Packers QB Jordan Love. ― Nate Davis

Jaguars 7, Saints 0: Jaguars race down field on opening drive

The Saints defense hadn’t allowed an opening drive touchdown all season, until Week 7.

Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars marched down the field on a 10-play, 75-yard touchdown drive in just over five minutes. Jacksonville converted six first downs on its opening drive.

Lawrence completed five of six passes for 60 yards. Running back Travis Etienne reached the end zone on a 2-yard run to give the Jags an early 7-0 advantage. ― Tyler Dragon

What time does Jaguars vs. Saints kick off?

Jaguars vs. Saints begins at 8:15 p.m. ET on Oct. 19.

How to watch Jaguars vs. Saints

Jaguars at Saints will be streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video and will be broadcast in local markets only.

Jaguars vs. Saints inactive players: Trevor Lawrence active

The Jaguars announced that Trevor Lawrence was active for Thursday night's matchup with the Saints. The Saints, however, will be without two starting offensive linemen, with James Hurst and Ryan Ramczyk inactive.

Jaguars' inactive players:

WR Zay Jones
RB Jamycal Hasty
CB Tyson Campbell
LB Yasir Abdullah
OL Walker Little
QB Nathan Rourke

Saints' inactive players:

S J.T. Gray
TE Juwan Johnson
OT Landon Young
OL James Hurst
OT Ryan Ramczyk
WR A.T. Perry
DE Kyle Phillips

Jaguars vs. Saints predictions

Lorenzo Reyes: Saints 21, Jaguars 17

This is a tricky one, with the status of Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence up in the air. But with the quick turnaround with the Thursday game, I would expect Lawrence to be hindered — if he can go at all. If you’re leaning Saints, it might not be bad to jump on this sooner rather than later, assuming the line moves if Lawrence is ruled out.

Tyler Dragon: Jaguars 24, Saints 20

Jacksonville’s won three straight games. New Orleans has dropped three of its last four. Trevor Lawrence’s knee injury is a concern, but the team expects him to play. The quick turnaround favors New Orleans. However, Derek Carr and the Saints are still trying to figure themselves out offensively.

Victoria Hernandez: Jaguars 23, Saints 21

The Jaguars are tried and true on the road and showed last week that their success in London wasn’t a fluke. Yes, it will be harder if Trevor Lawrence is out, but the Saints haven’t found enough consistency to compete with the multi-dimensional Jacksonville offense.

Jordan Mendoza: Saints 16, Jaguars 14

Trevor Lawrence’s health is a big concern, and the Saints defense has only given up more than 20 points once this season. The New Orleans offense isn’t great, but they hold down Jacksonville enough for a close win.

USA TODAY Sports experts' picks for each Week 7 game

The last time the Jaguars beat the Saints ...

... it's been a minute. In fact, nearly two decades since it happened and is famous for one of the wildest finishes in league history.

That game occurred Dec. 21, 2003, in a game that became known as the "River City Relay." It occurred in Duval County in Week 16 and was a must-win affair for New Orleans' playoff hopes. Down 20-13 with 9 seconds remaining, the Saints scored a remarkable touchdown, WR Jerome Pathon scoring after a series of laterals that covered 75 yards on the final play from scrimmage. Then ... New Orleans kicker John Carney sailed the extra-point attempt wide ride. Jags 20, Saints 19 ... no playoffs in The Big Easy. ― Nate Davis

The last time the Jaguars played the Saints ...

... was also in New Orleans — and in prime time. It was Aug. 23, 2021 — preseason — a game the Saints won 23-21 on a Monday night. On that evening, then-rookie QB Trevor Lawrence showed his inexperience, taking a huge hit on a third-down run but surviving it. RB Travis Etienne suffered a Lisfranc injury that would ultimately cost him his entire rookie season. And then-coach Urban Meyer was clearly agitated throughout the night, managed the game like it counted in the standings and seemed crushed by the loss — among the attributes that would scuttle his only season as an NFL head coach before he could reach the end of it. Chances are, tonight will go better for Lawrence, Etienne and current head coach Doug Pederson. ― Nate Davis

The last time Trevor Lawrence played in the Superdome ...

... and the game actually counted? It was his final game at Clemson, the Sugar Bowl on New Year's Day 2021. Lawrence was good that night, passing for 400 yards and two TDs. He was also thoroughly outplayed by Ohio State and their quarterback, Justin Fields, who exploded for 385 yards and six TDs through the air in a gritty performance that advanced the Buckeyes to the CFP championship game against Alabama. ― Nate Davis

Jaguars vs. Saints odds

Highlighting "Thursday Night Football" odds, the Jacksonville Jaguars are among the best bets for NFL Week 7 in their primetime game against the New Orleans Saints. The Jaguars are 2.5-point road underdogs, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023.

According to the top NFL betting apps, Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (+1800) boasts some of the best NFL MVP betting odds in 2023. The Jaguars (+2200) also have some of the best early Super Bowl betting odds.

Not interested in this game? Our guide to NFL betting odds, picks and spreads has you covered with "Sunday Night Football" odds, "Monday Night Football" odds and more.

If you’re new to sports betting, don’t worry. We have tips for beginners on how to place a bet online. And USA TODAY readers can claim exclusive promos and bonus codes with the online sportsbooks and sports betting sites.

NFL Week 7 odds, predictions and picks

NFL power rankings

Take a look at how all 32 teams stack up heading into Week 7. How do Week 6 losses by the previously undefeated 49ers and Eagles shake things up?

Ranking every teams' throwback and alternate uniforms

In Week 6, the Buccaneers sported their glorious "Creamsicle" uniforms for the first time since 2012. But that throwback comeback will hardly be the last, plus some fresh fashion-forward alternates are also coming down the pike. Nate Davis does important work by ranking the NFL's alternate uniforms.

PHOTOS: Alternate and throwback uniforms of 2023 NFL season

Who are the highest paid NFL players at each position?

We have a complete list at every position:

Quarterbacks
Running back
Receivers
Tight ends
Offensive tackles
Offensive guards
Centers
Edge rushers
Interior defensive linemen
Linebackers
Cornerbacks
Safeties
Kickers
Punters

4th & Monday: Our NFL newsletter always brings the blitz

Do you like football? Then you'll enjoy getting our NFL newsletter delivered to your inbox

Get the latest news, expert analysis, game insights and the must-see moments from the NFL conveniently delivered to your email inbox. Sign up now!

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY operates independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.

Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.