The Jaguars gave up 503 yards of offense to the Saints, but we all knew they'd score. In fact, the 23 points put up by the New Orleans offense was the fewest they've scored all season. The defense recorded two interceptions and didn't allow the big plays that the Saints have capitalized on in prior games.
It was the 10 points put up by the offense that proved to be the difference in the game. The national media, including ProFootballTalk, are already putting the blame on Blaine Gabbert due to his stat-line which was well under 50% completion percentage. At 16-42, 196 yards, one touchdown and one interception, it's understandable how someone who didn't watch the game would make that conclusion, but it was clear that he received no help.
The Jaguars receivers had multiple drops with many of them coming on the game's most crucial plays. Most notablely were two drops on fourth down attempts that gave the ball to the high-powered Saints. The Jaguars clearly don't have a number one receiver and I'm not sure they even have a number two either. I haven't seen the official count for drops yet, but the early estimations from most are around eight or nine drops.
Also hurting the Jaguars offense and Gabbert's stats was the fact that the receivers were never open. For those wondering why the Jaguars never rack up yards after catch, it's because there has to be separation. There was none.
But ultimately, my question is: why were the receivers featured so much? Obviously they are one of the worst, if not the worst, unit on the team. So why pass the ball 44 times and run the ball just 15 times?
The Saints were allowing 4.3 yards a carry prior to the game and gave up 84 yards to Maurice Jones-Drew on just 11 carries. Taking the chains off of Gabbert doesn't mean the Jaguars should take the ball away from the best player on the team.