As the New Orleans Saints gear up to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday, all eyes are on rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler. In a decision that has generated considerable buzz, the Saints coaching staff confirmed that Rattler will start the game, marking his first NFL regular-season appearance.
A Talented Prospect with High Expectations
Rattler, who has been lauded for his arm strength and natural football instincts, is regarded as a special talent. He was once considered a top quarterback prospect, ranked number one in the nation before being surpassed by Caleb Williams. Despite a rocky training camp where he struggled with interceptions, Rattler demonstrated improvement during the preseason, particularly in his final game where he threw for 105 yards and a touchdown.
His strong performance in the Senior Bowl, where he earned MVP honors, showed his potential, and many in New Orleans are excited to see what he can bring to the field. Players like Chris Olave and former stars like Dez Bryant have praised his talent, reinforcing the belief that Rattler has the tools to succeed at the professional level.
A New Era Begins
This is said in a slightly “tounge in cheek” fashion, simply because Derek Carr is only likely to miss two weeks at the maximum. It could be longer but with his history he typically makes his way back to the field sooner, rather than later. With that said, personally, I expect him to be back in action vs. The Broncos. Dennis Allen has already stated that when he gets back he is the guy, so there is no controversy between Carr and Rattler. However, The Saints coaching staff believes Rattler gives them the best chance to win, a decision they made after careful internal discussions. While Jake Haener, who stepped in earlier in the season, remains a capable option, the team feels that this week, Rattler’s unique skills provide the advantage they need. His pedigree as a former top prospect and his arm talent have fueled optimism that he can lead the Saints’ offense effectively.
However, expectations are tempered by the reality that this will be his first NFL start. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he performs under the spotlight, especially against a team led by Baker Mayfield, a quarterback to whom Rattler has often been compared.
A Chance to Shine
This game is a significant moment for Rattler to showcase his abilities and prove his doubters wrong. Despite a tough preseason, his potential is undeniable, and this Sunday offers him the opportunity to validate the faith the Saints have placed in him. While it may be unreasonable to expect perfection in his debut, Rattler’s debut will be a key moment in his career as he looks to solidify his place in the NFL.
My Take
I am not certain how Rattler will perform, but I don’t see him as an upgrade over Derek Carr. To start, I think he is given more credit than deserved for his speed and mobility, he is not a burner per say, he ran a 4.95 40-yard dash at the combine. Carr ran a 4.69 and you can still see that he has some speed left after these years. Secondly, he’s a rookie learning his first NFL offense, and though we have seen rookies like Jayden Daniels, CJ Stroud, and others succeed, he is viewed as more of a developmental prospect as opposed to an elite one like the two mentioned above. However, there is one intangible that Rattler has that Carr lacks and its his ability to perform under pressure. The Saints O-Line is remarkably banged up; no Center, and both guards are at least questionable for this contest. At 6’0 he will need the interior to be well protected just like Brees did and the Saints simply don’t have the personnel to protect him. However this is new territory for Rattler, based on his college O-Line, so if he can get in the game and prove that he can deal with the Bucs interior rush led by Vita Vea, than the Saints may have themselves a story similar to Brock Purdy. Rattler was thought to be a far better QB than Purdy, but Purdy thrived in this system. Can Rattler do the same? I am not certain, but I am very intrigued.
