New Orleans Saints Preseason Game Recap: Tied with Jacksonville Jaguars in Thrilling 17-17 Contest

Strategic Insights -

In the first preseason game of the 2025 football season, the New Orleans Saints clashed with the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Caesars Superdome. The Saints, donning black jerseys with gold pants, matched the Jaguars' white jerseys with white pants in a closely contested game. The first-team offense for the Jaguars, led by Trevor Lawrence, had a strong performance but faltered with a fumble early in the game.

Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough impressed in his first start, completing nine of 12 passes for 66 yards without turning the ball over. Shough's standout drive in the second quarter ended with a 51-yard field goal by Blake Grupe. Additionally, second-year linebacker Jaylen Ford continued his impressive play, recording four tackles and securing a game-turning interception in the third quarter.

The Saints' offense found its footing later in the game, thanks in part to the emergence of second-year wide receiver Mason Tipton, who caught six passes for 100 yards and became a key factor in the final drive that led to the tie.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough led the Saints in the first half of the preseason game, completing nine of 12 passes for 66 yards and not turning the ball over.
  • Second-year linebacker Jaylen Ford played a crucial role in the game, recording four tackles and making an interception in the third quarter.
  • Wide receiver Mason Tipton made a significant impact, catching six passes for 100 yards, including a 45-yard reception that set up a crucial drive.
  • The tie between the Saints and Jaguars was the first preseason or regular season tie for the Saints since 1972, when Archie Manning was the quarterback.
  • Tyler Shough's performance gave the coaching staff a solid indication of his readiness for the regular season.
  • Jaylen Ford's play solidified his position as a major contributor to the Saints' defense.
  • Mason Tipton's impressive showings in the preseason may lead to a significant role in the upcoming season.

Statistics:

  • 66 yards, 9-12 passing completion rate for rookie quarterback Tyler Shough.
  • 100 yards, 6 receptions for second-year wide receiver Mason Tipton.
  • 17-17 tie between the New Orleans Saints and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
  • Number of years since the Saints' last regular-season tie: 1972.
  • Speed at which the Saints' offense operated on the game-winning drive: 2 minutes and 19 seconds.

Sources:

  • Saints website