JACKSONVILLE – Every week throughout the 2023 season, a panel of Jaguars “experts” including Frank Frangie, Jeff Lageman, Brent Martineau, John Oehser, Brian Sexton, J.P. Shadrick, and Kainani Stevens will provide in-depth analysis of the following day’s Jaguars matchup.
The New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La.
Frank Frangie, Radio Voice of the Jaguars
- The Jaguars will win if: They establish a strong running game. The availability of Lawrence is still uncertain, and if he’s limited in mobility or doesn’t play, it will be crucial for the Jaguars to rely on their running game. Etienne needs to have a standout performance. Even with a healthy Lawrence, the team functions best with offensive balance. Defensively, the replacement for Campbell, who is expected to be out, must step up and perform well as he will likely be targeted. This will be a major key to the game.
- The Saints will win if: They shut down the Jaguars’ running game and force them to become one-dimensional. Additionally, the Saints need to capitalize on big plays downfield. They are unlikely to sustain long drives.
- Frangie’s analysis: This will be a tough challenge for the Jaguars. Playing on a short week, away from home, against a desperate team with a strong defense, they will need to play a gritty and efficient game to secure a victory.
Jeff Lageman, Jaguars analyst and former Jaguars defensive end
- The Jaguars will win if: Their defense continues to make impactful plays. With 15 takeaways, the Jaguars’ defense leads the league and provides momentum for an offense that is steadily improving.
- The Saints will win if: They start the game with momentum, energizing the crowd and forcing the Jaguars to play catch-up. The Saints’ impressive defense becomes even harder to contend with when playing from behind.
- Lageman’s analysis: Being the away team on a short week poses a significant challenge for the Jaguars, despite their three-game winning streak. Lawrence’s knee health and the performance of the offensive line will heavily influence their success. With all eyes on them during Thursday night’s game, this presents a great opportunity for the team.
Brent Martineau, Action Sports Jax Sports Director
- The Jaguars will win if: Running back Travis Etienne Jr. gains over 120 yards from scrimmage. The Jaguars need to effectively run the ball against a strong Saints defense. By doing so, they can control the clock and create opportunities for big plays in the passing game. Considering the Saints’ defense allows just 16 points per game, anything above 20 points would be considered a good offensive performance.
- The Saints will win if: They avoid turning the ball over. In the past two years, the Jaguars have lost all five games in which they failed to force any turnovers. The Saints, who have committed eight turnovers this season (average for the league), need to prevent the Jaguars from making game-changing defensive plays in order to secure a home victory.
- Martineau’s analysis: The Jaguars are currently one of the hottest teams in the NFL, while the Saints are known for their unpredictability. Thursday’s game might turn out to be a strange and messy affair, typical of Thursday night matchups. However, Martineau remains confident in the Jaguars, predicting a 23-19 victory.
