The Jacksonville Jaguars face off against the New Orleans Saints in a highly anticipated 2023 NFL showdown at the renowned Caesars Superdome.

Tony Boselli’s Take: Protecting Lawrence and Defense Strategy

• Tony Boselli, former Jaguars left tackle and analyst, highlights the Jaguars’ path to victory:
  • Shielding Trevor Lawrence is crucial for a potential win.
  • Defending against the Saints’ strong front seven is a must.
  • Impeccable tackling and limiting big plays are key defensively.
  • Applying pressure on Derek Carr, the Saints’ quarterback, could lead to game-changing moments.
  • Boselli predicts a low-scoring match, ending in a 20-14 win for the Jaguars.

Frank Frangie’s Perspective: Striving for Offensive Balance

• Frank Frangie, radio voice of the Jaguars, emphasizes balance as the key to success:
  • Relying on the running game if Lawrence is unavailable or limited.
  • A healthy Lawrence still benefits from a balanced approach.
  • The replacement for the injured Calais Campbell is a prime target for the Saints.
  • Striking the right balance is vital for the Jaguars to secure a win.

Jeff Lageman’s Insights: The Power of Defense

• Former Jaguars defensive end Jeff Lageman underscores the defensive unit’s significance:
  • The Jaguars’ defense leads the NFL with 15 takeaways.
  • This defense consistently sparks the evolving offense.
  • The Jaguars need a strong start on the road.
  • Lawrence’s knee health and the offensive line’s performance are decisive factors.

Brent Martineau’s Analysis: Controlling the Clock and Defensive Strategy

• Brent Martineau, Action Sports Jax Sports Director, highlights clock management and the defense:
  • Travis Etienne Jr. accumulating over 120 yards from scrimmage is crucial.
  • Effectively running against the Saints’ strong defense helps control the game tempo.
  • The Saints’ defense allows just 16 points per game, making each point above 20 valuable.
  • Martineau predicts an unconventional Thursday night match, expecting a 23-19 win for the Jaguars.

John Oehser: The Opportunistic Defense and Offensive Strategy

• Jaguars.com senior writer John Oehser focuses on defense and offense:
  • The defense needs to create game-changing moments by forcing turnovers.
  • Holding the Saints to 20 points or less is a key objective.
  • Potential limitations on Lawrence’s performance due to his knee injury are acknowledged.
  • Oehser maintains an optimistic outlook, despite the challenging matchup.

Brian Sexton: Overcoming Injuries and Defensive Strategy

• Jaguars.com senior correspondent Brian Sexton addresses injuries and defensive strategy:
  • The Jaguars must overcome key injuries, notably Trevor Lawrence’s knee and the offensive line’s challenges.
  • Backup players need to perform at a starter’s level on a demanding short week.
  • The Jaguars must not underestimate Derek Carr, the Saints’ quarterback, who can exploit weaknesses.
  • Challenges are recognized, but hope remains.

J.P. Shadrick: Dominance of the Defense and Offensive Strategy

• Jaguars.com senior reporter J.P. Shadrick highlights the defense and offense:
  • The defense ranks third in the league against the run and leads with 15 takeaways.
  • Pressure applied by the defense results in turnovers, a significant advantage.
  • The Jaguars’ offense, particularly Travis Etienne, showcases its effectiveness.
  • The defense remains a dominant force in this match.

Kainani Stevens: Predicting a Defensive Battle

• Jaguars.com reporter Kainani Stevens anticipates a defensive battle:
  • The Jaguars’ defense is poised to dominate the struggling Saints’ offense.
  • The outcome may depend on Lawrence’s knee status.
  • Regardless of the starting quarterback, the Jaguars’ offense is expected to face significant challenges.
• The experts collectively agree that while the Jaguars face challenges, their resilient defense and adaptability may hold the key to victory on this Thursday night.