NEW ORLEANS – With a split of their first two exhibition games in the books, the Saints will open their 2012 Mercedes-Benz Superdome slate Friday when they host the Jacksonville Jaguars.

It will mark the Saints’ first preseason meeting with the Jaguars since they came into the NFL as an expansion franchise in 1995. The two teams last met in the regular season on Oct. 2, 2011 at EverBank Field with the Saints winning 23-10.

The teams have played five times in the regular season and New Orleans leads the series 3-2.

More action can be expected from the first unit than in the first two preseason contests played away from home both on offense and defense. Quarterback Drew Brees and the offense will look forward to the opportunity.