Jacksonville Jaguars lose second preseason game to New Orleans Saints, 23-21

The Jacksonville Jaguars fall to 0-2 in the preseason, as the New Orleans Saints won the exhibition game by a final score of 23-21.

Jacksonville could not get any offense going in the first half, while the defense struggled to defend the pass. It was an inconsistent night for quarterback and No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence, while the Jaguars also struggled to run the ball — gaining just 45 rushing yards on 20 attempts (2.3 yards per carry).

Lawrence played the entire first half, and finished the night completing 14 of 23 passes (60.8 percent) for 114 yards with zero touchdowns and zero interceptions. He averaged just 4.9 yards per attempt and led the team to just three points.

The Jaguars were down several starters on the offensive line, as guard Andrew Norwell and center Brandon Linder didn’t dress, while tackle Cam Robinson dressed, but didn’t play. Rookie tackle Walker Little started for Robinson and had his struggles, while Tyler Shatley and Ben Bartch both started on the interior. Lawrence was often under pressure, although he was only sacked once.

Jameis Winston had a big night for the Saints, completing nine of 10 passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns in just the first quarter. Wide receiver Marquez Callaway caught both touchdowns from Winston and finished the game with five catches for 104 yards and the two scores.

The Saints took a 17-3 lead into halftime. Gardner Minshew II started the second half for the Jaguars, but also struggled to put points on the board. He finished the game 13 for 21 (61.9 percent) for 149 yards and an interception.

Similar to Lawrence, Minshew led the offense to just three points. Minshew also led another drive that saw the Jaguars get down to the Saints’ two-yard-line, but he then threw an interception to Wynton McManis and the Jaguars once again failed to score.

The Jaguars would go on to score 18 points in the fourth quarter, led by quarterback C.J. Beathard, but it was too little too late at that point. Beathard completed nine passes on 14 attempts (64.2 percent) for 121 yards and two touchdowns.

Beathard first connected with Jeff Cotton to cut the lead to 10:

Beathard later found Collin Johnson in the end zone from 24 yards out. He also hit Nathan Cottrell for the two-point conversion to cut the lead to just two points.

The Saints would get the ball back and round the clock out, however, ending the game at 23-21. The Jaguars will next play the Dallas Cowboys in the preseason finale on Aug. 29.

Injury notes:

• It was peculiar to see Cam Robinson dressed, but not play. Urban Meyer said Robinson has a sprained ankle, which is why he didn’t play.

• Rookie running back and first-round draft pick Travis Etienne suffered a foot injury in the first half and was “questionable” to return. The team held him out for the remainder of the game.

Update: Etienne suffered a Lisfranc injury that is now expected to end his season.