August 21th, 2025
The Jacksonville Jaguars opened their preseason matchup against the New Orleans Saints with promising signs from the first-team offense. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence directed two extended drives during his time on the field, displaying poise and sharp decision-making. Although the Saints’ defensive line occasionally brought pressure, Lawrence adjusted well, sticking to his reads and distributing the ball efficiently. His chemistry with rookie receiver Brian Thomas Jr. and tight end Brenton Strange stood out, as both were active in the passing game.
Thomas, who has battled inconsistency in camp, bounced back after an early drop by securing multiple receptions to regain confidence. The Jaguars also responded well to a bizarre mishap on their opening possession, when Lawrence tripped during the snap, collided with running back Tank Bigsby and forced a fumble. Instead of allowing that mistake to derail momentum, the offense regrouped and scored on its next drive. Through two preseason outings, Lawrence has been efficient, completing 14 of 17 passes for 119 yards and one touchdown. These early signs suggest that offensive coordinator Liam Coen’s system is beginning to click.
Saints Showcase Young Talent
While Jacksonville’s starters set the tone, the New Orleans Saints used the game to evaluate young players looking to make an impact. Running back Kendre Miller once again flashed potential despite limited support from his offensive line. Even on runs with little space, Miller powered through contact and fell forward for positive yardage. His most impressive play came on a 13-yard gain, where he navigated traffic with balance and agility reminiscent of Alvin Kamara in his prime.
Miller’s challenge has always been staying healthy, not producing when given opportunities. The Saints, who struggled to find a reliable complement to Kamara last season, may finally have their answer if Miller remains on the field. Wide receiver Mason Tipton also continued his strong preseason with another standout performance. He hauled in a 45-yard reception from Spencer Rattler, adding to his highlight from the week before and became a reliable target in a two-minute drill. Despite one mistake on a late route that led to an interception, Tipton finished with six receptions for 100 yards and strengthened his case for a roster spot.
A Balanced Preseason Draw
The 17-17 tie reflected the unpredictable nature of preseason football, filled with miscues, bright spots and opportunities for growth. For Jacksonville, the takeaway was the effectiveness of its first-team offense, which showed signs of chemistry and resilience. Lawrence looked comfortable running the system, and young pass catchers demonstrated the ability to step up in crucial moments.
For the Saints, the draw provided reassurance that younger players may be ready to contribute sooner than expected. Miller’s consistency in the backfield and Tipton’s emergence at wide receiver highlight areas where New Orleans has been searching for depth. The final score mattered little, but both teams left the field with confidence in their progress.
Just as preseason games give fans a preview of what to expect in the NFL, many fans turn to college football for excitement during the fall. It’s about watching prospects who may become future pros and a chance for new bettors to learn how to bet on college football and better understand the game’s flow. That same curiosity about development applies here, as both the Jaguars and Saints saw promising signs in their depth charts.
Bears Unleash Offensive Potential
In Chicago, the Bears dominated the Buffalo Bills 38-0 in a game that showcased their offensive future. The highlight came from the new partnership between head coach Ben Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams. On the opening drive, Williams connected with tight ends Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet before hitting Olamide Zaccheaus for a 36-yard touchdown. The young quarterback displayed poise, accuracy and timing throughout the series.
Williams completed six of ten passes for 107 yards and one score during his brief appearance. While his second drive stalled, the early rhythm and command of the offense were encouraging signs. Johnson’s system allowed Williams to make decisive throws and spread the ball around effectively. Bears fans, who have long waited for offensive consistency, received a glimpse of what the franchise hopes will be the beginning of a new era. If Williams and Johnson continue to build chemistry, Chicago could finally stabilize its offensive identity.
Bills’ Backup Quarterback Battle Remains Murky
For Buffalo, the night brought more uncertainty than answers. Veteran backup Mike White started but struggled to establish rhythm with receivers who failed to create separation. He finished with four completions on eleven attempts for just 54 yards, leaving questions about his reliability as Josh Allen’s understudy. The offense as a whole looked sluggish and unable to generate sustained drives.
Mitchell Trubisky, returning to the city where his NFL career began, also failed to take control of the quarterback competition. He connected on short passes with running back Frank Gore Jr., but could not move the offense into scoring range. Trubisky ended the night with seven completions on thirteen attempts for 55 yards. Neither quarterback managed to inspire confidence, leaving the Bills’ staff with a tough decision heading into their final preseason game. The battle for the backup role remains wide open.
Lessons from the Weekend
This weekend of preseason action highlighted contrasting narratives across the league. The Jaguars appear to be settling into a new offensive system while the Saints discovered young players who may fill important depth roles. The Bears provided a glimpse of what could be an exciting offensive future built around Williams and Johnson, giving their fans reason for optimism. Meanwhile, the Bills are left searching for clarity at a position that could prove vital should Allen miss time.
Preseason games are rarely remembered for their outcomes, but the performances within them often shape rosters and strategies for the regular season. Jacksonville’s efficiency, New Orleans’ emerging talent, Chicago’s offensive promise and Buffalo’s quarterback dilemma all tell stories that may carry forward into the 2025 season. While August football may not count in the standings, it often reveals the direction each team is headed.