Battle Royale in the Big Easy: Expert Predictions for Jaguars vs. Saints Showdown

Jaguars vs. Saints: Week 7 Staff Predictions

The Jacksonville Jaguars are set to face off against the New Orleans Saints in a highly anticipated showdown on Thursday Night Football. As the Jaguars look to extend their winning streak to four games, the Jaguar Report staff has shared their predictions for the game.

John Shipley Prediction

John Shipley expects this game to be one of the sloppier ones in the Jaguars‘ 2023 season. However, he believes that as long as the Jaguars come away with the win, the performance quality doesn’t matter much. Shipley emphasizes the importance of the Jaguars‘ resilience and maturity in facing a challenging schedule that includes games in London, New Orleans on a short week, and a 10-day trip overseas. He predicts that Trevor Lawrence will play but with the training wheels on the offense to protect him. Shipley anticipates a ball-control offense that focuses on clock management, field goals, and explosive runs. He believes that the Jaguars‘ defense will dominate and create opportunities for easy possessions. His prediction for the final score is Jaguars 17, Saints 13.

Daniel Griffis Prediction

Daniel Griffis acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position, with Trevor Lawrence’s health being a major factor. He believes that if Lawrence plays and is in good shape, it will be an easier game to predict. Griffis predicts that Lawrence will lead the Jaguars to their fourth straight win, with the defense making crucial turnovers to support the offense. His prediction for the final score is Jaguars 27, Saints 17.

Zach Schultz Prediction

Zach Schultz anticipates that Thursday Night Football in New Orleans won’t be a pretty game. Both teams are dealing with numerous injuries and have had a short prep week. Schultz believes that the Jaguars‘ strong defense will create problems for the Saints‘ offense. He expects Christian Kirk to have a significant impact on the game, especially against the Saints‘ man coverage. Schultz predicts that Trevor Lawrence will play, and the Jaguars will come out victorious with a final score of Jaguars 20, Saints 13.

Kyle Nash Prediction

Kyle Nash points out that the New Orleans Saints and Jacksonville Jaguars have similarities in their team makeup. Both teams have standout players on defense and explosive elements on offense. Nash highlights the importance of containing the Saints‘ Alvin Kamara and forcing 3rd-and-longs to put pressure on the Saints‘ quarterback, David Carr. He also emphasizes the need for the Jaguars‘ offensive weapons, such as Travis Etienne and Evan Engram, to protect Trevor Lawrence and exploit the Saints‘ defense. Nash predicts that the Jaguars‘ coaching, led by Doug Pederson, will secure a 30-20 victory for the Jaguars.

Arnav Sharma Prediction

Arnav Sharma acknowledges that this is not an easy game to predict due to the uncertainty surrounding Trevor Lawrence’s knee injury. He believes that the coaching test for Doug Pederson would be significant if CJ Beathard starts as the quarterback on a short week. Sharma highlights the Jaguars‘ defense as a strong force that can stifle the Saints‘ offense. His prediction depends on Lawrence’s availability. If Lawrence plays, Sharma predicts a dominant win with a final score of Jaguars 30, Saints 6. If Lawrence doesn’t play, he predicts a win in a defensive slugfest with a final score of Jaguars 16, Saints 10.

Ryan Michael Prediction

Ryan Michael’s prediction centers around the uncertainty of Trevor Lawrence’s availability and his health. He believes that Lawrence’s resilience and determination to play, even when injured, will likely lead to him suiting up for the game. However, Michael expects Lawrence to face challenges due to the receiving corps’ struggles to create separation and hold onto the ball. He predicts that the Jaguars‘ defense will face a tough test against a moderately average New Orleans offense. Michael expresses concern about Lawrence exacerbating his injury during the game. His prediction for the final score is Saints 26, Jaguars 17.

Editorial: Evaluating the Predictions

The staff at Jaguar Report has offered a range of predictions for the Jaguars vs. Saints matchup, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding Trevor Lawrence’s health and the challenges posed by a short week. While some staff members have expressed confidence in the Jaguars‘ ability to dominate defensively and secure a clear victory, others have highlighted the potential difficulties in the absence of a fully healthy Lawrence.

It is evident that the Jaguars‘ defense has been a standout factor, with the team ranking 15th in points surrendered and delivering impressive performances in recent games. The Jaguars‘ defense, combined with the Saints‘ struggles on offense, presents an opportunity for the Jaguars to control the game and secure a win.

However, the potential absence of Lawrence or his limited mobility due to injury raises concerns about the Jaguars‘ offensive performance. The inconsistent performance of the receiving corps and the Saints‘ strong defense, particularly in their ability to prevent rushing touchdowns, could pose challenges for the Jaguars‘ offense.

The coaching matchup between Doug Pederson and Dennis Allen will be critical in determining the outcome of the game. Pederson’s ability to strategize and adapt to potential changes in the quarterback position will be crucial for the Jaguars‘ success. Meanwhile, the defensive scheme devised by Allen to neutralize the Jaguars‘ offense will be a key factor in the game.

Advice for the Jaguars

To increase their chances of victory, the Jaguars should focus on utilizing their strong defense to stifle the Saints‘ offense. They should prioritize containing Alvin Kamara and forcing the Saints into unfavorable third-down situations. By pressuring the Saints‘ quarterback and limiting big plays, the Jaguars can gain an advantage.

Offensively, the Jaguars need to protect Trevor Lawrence and provide him with viable options in the passing game. Establishing a strong running game with Travis Etienne’s recent success is crucial for the Jaguars‘ offensive consistency. The coaching staff should devise game plans that cater to Lawrence’s potential limitations due to injury and make smart decisions regarding his involvement in the game.

In conclusion, the Jaguars have a favorable opportunity to secure a win against a struggling Saints team. However, they must navigate the challenges posed by injuries and a short week. The key to victory lies in utilizing their defense effectively, playing to their offensive strengths, and making sound coaching decisions throughout the game.