JACKSONVILLE – Each week during the 2023 season, the Jaguars’ “experts” – Tony Boselli, Frank Frangie, Jeff Lageman, Brent Martineau, John Oehser, Brian Sexton, JP Shadrick and Kainani Stevens – will analyze the Jaguars’ matchup the following day.
The New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La.
Tony Boselli, Jaguars analyst and former Jaguars left tackle
- The Jaguars will win if:They protect a banged-up Lawrence (assuming he plays) and match the physicality of a good Saints front seven. Defensively, the Jaguars need to continue to tackle well and limit splash plays. If they put pressure on Carr, he will make mistakes.
- The Saints will win if:Running back Alvin Kamara had a big night with lots of touches. This will take the pressure off Carr and allow the Saints to stay at the top of the chains. Defensively, the Jags will become one-dimensional at the line of scrimmage with their dominant front seven, which is bad news for a struggling Lawrence.
- As Boselli sees it: Short weeks are always a challenge, especially for the away team, and the Jaguars come into the game a little under the weather. Obviously, having Lawrence on the field is crucial. This Jags team is tough and I think they rose to the challenge and won a low scoring game 20-14.
Frank Frangie, radio voice of the Jaguars
- The Jaguars will win if: They run the football. At the time of writing, there was no word on whether the Jags will have Lawrence. When he doesn’t play, or even when he does but has limited mobility, the team has to rely a little more on their running game. That means Etienne has to play a big game. Even with a healthy Lawrence, this team is at its best when it’s balanced. Defensively, Brown or whoever replaces Campbell — who isn’t expected to play — needs to play well because he’ll be targeted. This is a big key to the game.
- The Saints will win if: They fill the run and make the Jags one-dimensional – and if they can make a few big plays over the line. I don’t think they’ll be able to put together many long rides.
- As Frangie sees it: This is a difficult task for the Jaguars. It’s a short away week against a desperate team with a good defense. The Jags will have to play a tough and efficient game to win.
Jeff Lageman, Jaguars analyst and former Jaguars defensive end
- The Jaguars will win if: Their defense continues to make big plays. The Jaguars defense leads the NFL with 15 takeaways and continues to provide momentum for an offense that is still gaining momentum.
- The Saints will win if: They get off to a fast start, getting the crowd going and putting the Jaguars in position to catch up. The Saints defense is impressive. With a lead it would be difficult to fight it.
- As Lageman sees it: Being the away team on a short week is very tough and will be a big test for a Jaguars team that is on the high of a three-game winning streak. The health of Lawrence’s knee and the performance of his offensive line will be a critical factor in success. The entire league and the entire nation is watching on Thursday night, and it’s a great opportunity.
Brent Martineau, Action Sports Jax Sports Director
- The Jaguars will win if: As a running back, Travis Etienne Jr. has over 120 yards from scrimmage. The Jaguars need to compete effectively against a good Saints defense. If they do that, they can control the clock and make big plays in the passing game. The Saints defense only allows 16 points per game, so anything over 20 would be good.
- The Saints will win if: They don’t turn the ball over. In the last two years, the Jaguars have forced zero turnovers five times and lost all five games. New Orleans has eight turnovers this season, which puts them in the middle of the NFL. Unless the Saints allow the Jaguars to put up a big defensive performance, they will likely win at home.
- As Martineau sees it: The Jaguars are one of the hottest teams in the NFL and the Saints are one of the quirkier teams in the NFL. I think it could be a strange game on Thursday and probably a typical clunky affair on Thursday night. I can’t get off the Jaguars bandwagon right now, so let’s move on with a 23-19 win.