Saints fans had been hoping to take a look at rookie Spencer Rattler as their team's starting quarterback. They got their wish on Sunday in New Orleans with Rattler filling in for Derek Carr, who missed the first of multiple games with an oblique injury.
Rattler had a solid rookie debut for the Saints in their wild 51-27 loss vs. the Buccaneers, even while fighting the early adversity of losing top wide receiver Chris Olave to a concussion.
Here's looking at Rattler's initial stats and breaking down his first career performance:
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Grading Spencer Rattler's NFL starting debut
Saints get a little offensive spark without Derek Carr
For a developmental fifth-rounder who played a lot of college football at Oklahoma and South Carolina, there was an unnatural comfort level. He ended up with a late interception that cost his team, but he posted an average rookie passing line (22-of-40, 243 passing yards, TD, two INTs, 5.4 yards per attempt, 81.6 rating).
Given he was thrust into action for Carr ahead of young veteran backup Jake Haener, Rattler was prepared to execute the offense, being helped by playing at home. The Saints did help on special teams with a punt return TD by wide receiver Rashid Shaheed.
Unfortunately, Olave's early fumble on the play on which he was injured turned into a Bucs' defensive score, and the Saints' defense was destroyed all over the field with mostly bad everything, giving up an overwhelming 594 yards along with those 51 points. Alvin Kamara and the running game were contained, as he had only 40 yards and a TD in an 81-yard team rushing effort. The support wasn't there for Rattler to be positioned to play well through four quarters.
Rattler wasn't really too rattled by the pass rush
Rattler was sacked five times, which isn't a good look for him or the Saints' pass protection. But he hung in there well and kept on trying to throw with confidence when facing a big deficit in the second half. He will get better at feeling pressure and getting the ball out quickly to combat it, but a big first step was not becoming skittish with rushers in his face.
Spencer Rattler's first career pass goes for a 27 yard gain 🙌pic.twitter.com/JNnRYlhzle
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 13, 2024
Rattler made the most of passing to limited weapons
Not surprisingly, with no Olave and Shaheed contained on the deep ball, Rattler threw most downfield to tight ends Foster Moreau and Juwan Johnson.
Rattler to Moreau for 41 yards!!#Saints | 📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/crjeQnbplJ
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) October 13, 2024
It also shouldn't be shocking that his best intermediate connection was with a fellow rookie fifth-round pick, wide receiver Bub Means (five catches, 45 yards, TD). The Saints' lack of receiving depth was seen with Olave going down, but Rattler threw to the right guys with some downfield flash.
Rookie to Rookie: Spencer Rattler connects with Bub Means for the 10-yard TD - #SAINTS TAKE THE LEAD!#TBvsNO | 📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/kQl2PGuSXL
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) October 13, 2024
Rattler could run a little more
Rattler isn't a burner, but he has some decent wheels to make plays with his legs when needed. He ended up with four rushes for 27 yards to help Kamara, including a nice 16-yard burst. Not only is Carr hurt for the Saints, but they also didn't have QB/tight end hybrid Taysom Hill (ribs), either. Rattler should be encouraged more to take off and add another element to the offense.
Rattler should have done enough to start again on Thursday night vs. Sean Payton and the Broncos at home. That's a tough pass defense, but the Saints' defense and running game can do a lot more to keep him in the game to push for his first win.
Rattler Uses His Legs to Pick Up a First Down 🦵 pic.twitter.com/Y38FxHhWwJ
— Saints Happy Hour Podcast (@SaintsHappyHour) October 13, 2024
Grade: C
