NEW ORLEANS (AP) – It was already apparent to the Jacksonville Jaguars that Blaine Gabbert was making solid strides in his second season as an NFL quarterback.

It looks like his progress will only pick up speed with the addition of the first receiver taken in last spring’s NFL draft.

Gabbert outperformed Saints star Drew Brees, and the young Jaguars quarterback found rookie Justin Blackmon for a score as Jacksonville took a 27-24 preseason victory over New Orleans on Friday night.

Long after the starters were done for the night, the Saints rallied to take a 24-20 lead on rookie Travaris Cadet’s 24-yard catch and run with under 2 minutes to go. Brees was 10 of 13 for 133 yards and one touchdown, an 8-yard pass to Devery Henderson. Brees, whose third son was born this week, also turned the ball over when he was sacked and stripped by Jeremy Mincey.