What looked like a frustrating night at the Caesars Superdome turned into a showcase of resilience, as the New Orleans Saints erased a 14-point deficit and stormed back to tie the Jacksonville Jaguars 17–17 in their second preseason game. Spencer Rattler’s late-game heroics headlined the night, but steady quarterback play from Tyler Shough and a stingy second-half defense provided the foundation for the comeback.

Shough Sets the Tone

Tyler Shough drew the start and played the entire first half. While the Saints’ offense didn’t produce fireworks under his direction, he provided a steady hand. Shough completed 9 of 12 passes for 66 yards, showing accuracy on short and intermediate throws. He directed the team to a first-half field goal, keeping the offense moving even as Jacksonville’s starters controlled the early tempo.

His numbers didn’t produce touchdowns, but his decision-making stood out. He avoided turnovers, got the ball out quickly against pressure, and allowed the offense to establish rhythm — traits the Saints coaching staff had hoped to see from him in extended action.

Rattler Ignites the Comeback

The second half belonged to Spencer Rattler. Taking over after halftime, he displayed both composure and explosiveness. Rattler finished the night 18 of 24 for 199 yards, tossing a crucial touchdown in the game’s closing moments. He also absorbed two sacks and threw one interception, but his poise in crunch time overshadowed the miscues.

With the Saints trailing 17–9 late in the fourth quarter, Rattler orchestrated a methodical drive. He spread the ball around, hitting multiple targets across the middle and sideline. The climax came with 21 seconds left, when he zipped a 20-yard strike to Dante Pettis in the corner of the end zone. On the ensuing two-point attempt, Rattler tucked the ball and sprinted past defenders for the conversion, drawing a roar from the Superdome crowd.

Defense Flips the Script

New Orleans’ defense struggled early, surrendering 17 first-half points. Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars’ starters marched efficiently, building a 14-point cushion with a mix of precise passing and strong protection up front.

But adjustments at halftime changed the tone. The Saints’ defense pitched a shutout in the second half, applying pressure and forcing Jacksonville into punts and short possessions. Rookie safety Jonas Sanker delivered a highlight, snagging an interception off a deflected pass late in the fourth quarter. His play kept the Jaguars from reclaiming the lead and set the stage for Rattler’s final drive.

Offensive Depth Shines

The Saints showcased depth across the roster:

• Dante Pettis hauled in the game-tying touchdown, capping a solid night from the receiving corps.

• Several young receivers contributed chunk gains, giving both Shough and Rattler reliable outlets.

• The offensive line weathered uneven moments, surrendering a few sacks, but provided key protection during the comeback drive.

Looking Ahead

The Saints leave the matchup with a 0-1-1 preseason record, but the performance offered plenty of optimism. Shough showed consistency in the starting role, while Rattler demonstrated he can deliver in the clutch. The defense rebounded strongly after a rocky start, and several young players made their mark.

Head coach Kellen Moore summed it up postgame: “Our locker room is happy. Our guys made some big-time plays down the stretch.”

New Orleans will wrap up preseason play next Saturday at home against the Denver Broncos, giving both quarterbacks another chance to stake their claim before roster decisions are finalized.