Jaguars vs. Saints: What We Learned From Today's Game

Jacksonville's game against the New Orleans Saints was a contrast in an offense that is still searching for an identity and an offense that continued to rack up yardage, but were slowed a bit by a developing defense.

While the Jaguars were able to hold the Saints under 30 points and the defense intercepted quarterback Drew Brees twice, the offense, led by rookie Blaine Gabbert could not score more than 10 points and the lack of scoring continues to be an issue for a team now 1-3 on the season.

Despite the loss, there were a few brights for the Jaguars.

Here is what we learned from the team's performance today.

Blaine Gabbert Looked Good...For One Half

It's hard to judge Gabbert's performance. He was great for one half, throwing for 165 yards and a touchdown in the first two quarters.

In the second half, he had no passing yards in the third quarter and could not connect on 10 straight passes.

What we saw coming out of the gate was a kid who was confident and used the plays offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter implemented perfectly until the Saints' defense caught up to him and put pressure on him.

Give him time and he will be able to overcome the rookie mistakes.

The Running Game Could Not Get Going in the First Half

The Jaguars basically abandoned the running game at the start of the contest.

Knowing that they needed to strike early and often, Gabbert came out firing and the running game, when used, was contained pretty well by the front seven of the Saints.

In the second half, Maurice Jones-Drew ran more effectively and it showed. He finished with 84 yards on 11 carries.

The Jaguars Had No Answer for Darren Sproles

The Little Engine That Could for the Saints.

Sproles beat the Jaguars on the ground and in the passing game. He was everywhere.

While they were looking for Sproles, it allowed Drew Brees to open up the passing game.

Drew Brees Is Still the Man Throught the Air

Brees seemed to connect on everything he throw at the Jaguars, especially with tight end Jimmy Graham.

The former basketball player in college used his quickness to get past the Jaguars' linebackers and secondary and catch anything thrown his way.

Mike Thomas Had a Good Game

While he did not score a touchdown, Thomas, the Jaguars' main receiving threat had 5 catches for 73 yards.

He used his quickness early in the game to help get the Jaguars in scoring position and was Gabbert's main target during the game.

The Jaguars Defense Held the Saints Under 30 Points

I do not believe in moral victories, but...

The Jaguars faced a team that looked like it would score at will and held them to three field goals in the second half. They also intercepted Drew Brees twice and at times, put adequate pressure on him.

It is a sign this team could be getting better.

The Offense Still Needs to Figure out How to Score

The season is four games in and the team is still averaging 10 points per contest.

The defense cannot carry them for the entire season.

Gabbert needs to find the end zone and there needs to be a balance so the defenses they face remain confused and off guard.

Cincinnati Comes to Town This Week

Another rookie will share the field next week when Andy Dalton brings the 2-2 Bengals to EverBank Field.

The Bengals beat Buffalo today 23-20.

Can Jacksonville get a win at home next week? Can the defense play better and shut down Dalton and running back Cedric Benson?

Can Gabbert find a way to score more than 10 points? Those are all questions that still need to be answered.