Jaguars vs. Saints: 5 Pressing Questions on Week 7

The Jacksonville Jaguars are gearing up for their third game in fewer than 12 days, hitting the road on a short week to play the New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football.

To preview this week's big game, we spoke with John Hendrix of Saints News Network to get their insight on the team the Jaguars are faced to do battle with.

What has Derek Carr shown so far in the Saints' offense? Has he elevated it, and is his injury still an issue?

John Hendrix: It's been a really big mixed bag this year. The main issue is the red zone struggles. Through the first six games, the Saints have had 19 trips and have a 36.8% conversion rate (7 makes). It's easy for anyone to place blame on one particular player or one particular coach, but there's a lot of hands dirty in how the offense is underperforming when it counts. What is encouraging is they were able to move the ball pretty well last week, totaling 430 yards, which was actually a lot better than some of the top ones out there. They just need to finish drives and put that together. Carr can lead them where they want to go, but we're still seeing growing pains during the first half of the season that have to go away.

How much of a concern is the Saints' offensive line considering the injuries ahead of Thursday?

John Hendrix: It's a considerable concern for this team. It's most likely not going to have Ryan Ramczyk (concussion) and James Hurst (ankle) facing this short week, so that means there's holes at right and left tackle. Hurst was playing inside before they replaced Trevor Penning for him. If I had to guess, Penning might be used a bit more here, but Andrus Peat and Cameron Erving will probably find a spot on the starting line for Thursday.

The Jaguars have had a lot of praise for the Saints' defense this week, especially for their front. What makes the Saints such a dangerous defense to face, and does their familiarity with each other make a big impact?

John Hendrix: The Saints defense can throw a lot of different looks at you, especially when it comes to third down situations. They have a pretty stellar line that features an attacking style. The interior got a really big makeover in the offseason, and it has helped tremendously to pair with the rest of the squad. There's not a ton of household names on that defense, but they can fly to the ball, tackle well, and just execute. Even when the Texans got the best of them in the first half in the last game, they really put the clamps down on them for the rest of the game. They're a really big 'bend, don't break' type of squad too. Point don't come easy against this team, so savor what you get.

Which Jaguar is seen as a player the Saints must stop to win the game?

John Hendrix: Travis Etienne certainly fits the bill here simply because of recency bias with the way Devin Singletary and Dameon Pierce ran on them last week, but it will have to be Trevor Lawrence. If he does enough, then he can get a win for the Jaguars. What's going to be interesting is if Lawrence is going to be able to be mobile. Quarterbacks like Jordan Love, Baker Mayfield, and C.J. Stroud have been able to escape out of pressure that has led to some big plays. If they can get home on the pressure, then they can get it. I'd also give a nod to Evan Engram as an honorable mention.

Score prediction?

John Hendrix: I thought after the disappointing loss to the Packers that that was this team's wakeup call, and if that's the case, then Sunday against the Texans might have been their low point in the young season. The odds are stacked against New Orleans, even if they are playing at home, and with the offensive issues right now, if I'm the Jaguars, I just need to get to 20 right now and can feel good about winning. However, the vibe here feels like the execution will get there, but I just don't know if it's this week. The Saints also have not been spectacular at home, but I feel like it's a necessity to buck that trend.

Saints 24, Jaguars 20