Saints strongly considering giving fans what they want to see after Derek Carr’s injury
The New Orleans Saints are expected to be without starting quarterback Derek Carr for multiple games. In that scenario, they will have to turn to Jake Haener or Spencer Rattler as their starting QB for the time being. Haener knows the offense well and has more NFL experience than the rookie Rattler, but the latter's […]
The New Orleans Saints are expected to be without starting quarterback Derek Carr for multiple games. In that scenario, they will have to turn to Jake Haener or Spencer Rattler as their starting QB for the time being.
Haener knows the offense well and has more NFL experience than the rookie Rattler, but the latter's upside may be too much to keep off of the field for some pivotal games for New Orleans.
Saints strongly considering Spencer Rattler
According to Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport, Rattler is considered a "strong candidate" to start while Carr is out due to his oblique injury.
Rattler showed glimpses of brilliance during the preseason due to his physical tools. He was considered quite the raw QB prospect entering the league, but you cannot deny his blend of mobility and arm strength are both enticing.
Bucky Brooks of NFL.com had a gleaming review for Rattler during the offseason.
The fifth-rounder might have played his way into “super sub” consideration with a solid preseason performance that has him in a position to win the QB2 job on the Saints’ roster. Although Rattler only connected on 52.6 percent of his passes and finished the preseason with a 76.9 passer rating, he displayed composure, poise and command directing the offense. While his competition against Jake Haener for the backup spot will continue into the regular season, the rookie has surprisingly worked his way into a position that few envisioned when he was selected with the 150th overall pick.
— Brooks
The preseason had plenty of ups and downs for the young gunslinger. At times, he was too concerned with a deep ball connection that it forced him into taking a sack. Other times, he looked poised and willing to take the smart, easier completion to avoid a negative play.
Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he will certainly see plenty of blitzes from Todd Bowles.
With a beat-up offensive line in front of him, Rattler will need to show an ability to make quick decisions in Klint Kubiak's offense if they choose to start him.
Some fans clamored for Rattler to be the starter before the regular season began. That was never, ever realistic with Carr healthy. As Carr tries to return to 100%, fans may get their first chance to see the rookie.
Saints QB Derek Carr gets brutally honest about his massive mistake early in loss against Chiefs
He is clearly frustrated.
