Jaguars vs. Saints highlights

In the colossal clash between the Jaguars and the Saints, Jacksonville emerged as the triumphant victor, securing their triumph at 31-24 in a spectacular Thursday Night Football spectacle. This showdown marked the inauguration of Week 7 in the NFL season, with the Jacksonville Jaguars (5-2) achieving a significant win over the New Orleans Saints (3-4) at the illustrious Caesars Superdome.

The Jaguars have embarked on an exceptionally remarkable winning streak, clinching victory in four consecutive matches, a feat that encompasses a commanding triumph over the Indianapolis Colts in the preceding week. In contrast, the Saints encountered a setback at the hands of the Houston Texans in Week 6.

Trevor Lawrence, the esteemed quarterback of the Jaguars, who grappled with a left knee sprain throughout the week, was granted the green light to grace the field. In anticipation of a potential absence by Lawrence, Jacksonville had elevated Nathan Rourke, their third-string quarterback, from the practice squad to the active roster earlier in the week.

The Jaguars exhibited unwavering determination in their inaugural drive, predominantly showcasing their aerial finesse. Trevor Lawrence orchestrated a 60-yard passing exhibition during this drive. Travis Etienne sealed the drive's success with a 2-yard touchdown run on the tenth play.

The game was not without its share of mishaps, with notable mention of a thwarted 51-yard field goal attempt by Blake Grupe for the Saints. However, the Saints swiftly regained possession when cornerback Paulson Adebo stripped the ball from the Jaguars' wide receiver, Christian Kirk. New Orleans regained control, leading to a subsequent field goal attempt that chipped away at their 7-3 deficit.

Shortly thereafter, Trevor Lawrence embarked on a 26-yard run, gaining an additional five yards due to a defensive holding penalty. Following this, Travis Etienne secured a 17-yard touchdown, further extending the Jaguars' lead.

In the second quarter, New Orleans orchestrated an extended drive, thanks to a pivotal pass from Derek Carr to Alvin Kamara on a crucial fourth-and-3 situation. Kamara adeptly navigated through the Jacksonville defense, accumulating 17 yards. The Saints secured an additional field goal, narrowing the score to 14-6 at that juncture.

A remarkable moment unfolded as Jaguars punter Logan Cooke executed a successful pass to wide receiver Tim Jones, extending their drive just before halftime. The drive culminated with a 43-yard field goal, courtesy of Brandon McManus. The halftime score stood at Jaguars 17, Saints 6.

Despite the Saints maintaining possession for a substantial portion of the first half, the Jaguars outperformed them, amassing 226 total yards compared to the Saints' 139. Travis Etienne emerged as the standout performer, contributing two touchdowns for Jacksonville.

The Saints executed a pivotal fourth-and-1 conversion on their own 48-yard line, with Alvin Kamara piercing through the Jaguars' defense for another 17-yard gain. This drive concluded with a 42-yard field goal courtesy of Grupe.

On the third play of the subsequent possession, Derek Carr's pass was deflected by Jaguars cornerback Darious Williams. Linebacker Foyesade Oluokun intercepted the pass and returned it for a 24-yard touchdown, further extending Jacksonville's lead to 24-9.

New Orleans encountered difficulty in reaching the Jacksonville 2-yard line but struggled to penetrate the end zone. Eventually, Taysom Hill delivered, successfully punching in the goal-line score on the 16th play of the drive. The Saints now trailed 24-16.

The game reached a turning point as Jacksonville turned the ball over on downs at the New Orleans 47-yard line. Seizing the opportunity, Carr connected with Thomas for a 17-yard gain, Hill for a 19-yard gain, and wide receiver Michael Thomas secured a 17-yard touchdown reception along the sideline. An executed two-point conversion leveled the game at 24-24 with 6:38 remaining in the fourth quarter.

After both teams punted, Jacksonville experienced a significant offensive breakthrough with their first touchdown of the second half. Just two plays after Jamal Agnew's punt return placed the ball on the Saints' 46-yard line, Trevor Lawrence connected with Kirk, who exhibited exceptional prowess in navigating through the Saints' defense for a 44-yard touchdown. Jacksonville assumed a 31-24 lead with 3:08 remaining in the fourth quarter.

New Orleans advanced into the red zone on the following possession, but Carr's attempts to connect with a receiver on four consecutive passes from the 6-yard line proved fruitless. Jacksonville elected to kneel and conclude the game.