The New Orleans Saints will start rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6. Regular starter Derek Carr is week-to-week after suffering an oblique injury in Monday's defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs. Rattler has an opportunity to display future starting QB potential.
The No. 150 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, Rattler can spearhead an explosive Saints offense that's been struggling in recent weeks. After opening the season with consecutive 40-point performances, the Saints have averaged just 16.3 points per game in three straight losses. Rattler will attempt to reinvigorate Klint Kubiak's offense.
Expect Rattler to attempt that by peppering Chris Olave with targets, something he discussed during the preseason. Olave has been uncharacteristically quiet this season, with just 22 receptions, 275 yards, and one touchdown in five games. Rashid Shaheed will be Rattler’s deep threat with a team-high 338 yards and three touchdowns while averaging an explosive 17.8 yards per catch.
“Dudes different. I make it a key point. When he’s in, get him the ball. It’s that simple.”
— Boot Krewe Media (@BootKreweMedia) August 5, 2024
-Spencer Rattler on Chris Olave
Via- @Saints pic.twitter.com/vusXn0vjpc
Rattler appeared in all three preseason games for the Saints, completing 20-of-38 passing attempts (52.6% completion percentage) for 202 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions. Ratter also added 26 rushing yards and an additional score to his offensive totals. He lost one fumble. He routinely outperformed sophomore quarterback Jake Haener, who he is getting the nod over on Sunday.
After failing to meet the hype at Oklahoma as a consensus five-star prospect, Rattler rehabilitated his reputation at South Carolina. As a senior in 2023, Rattler threw for a career-high 3,186 yards and 19 touchdowns. He also posted a career-low interception percentage of 2%.
Rattler then traveled to Mobile, Alabama and competed in the Senior Bowl. Despite eventual first-round picks like Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix also being in attendance, Rattler was arguably the most impressive quarterback prospect throughout the competitive week of practice. It should have dramatically increased his pre-draft stock, but he was surprisingly available on day three nonetheless.
Rattler possesses legitimate arm talent with the ability to target all three levels of the field. He's a naturally talented and gifted passer. Rattler is a plus athlete who can maneuver around pressure in the pocket.
Rattler’s debut matchup is difficult, but also favorable in spots. Sunday represents the Saints’ third NFC South game of the season already, and they enter the divisional showdown with a 1-1 record versus their main adversaries. The Buccaneers are currently allowing a 28th-ranked 258.4 passing yards per outing. Todd Bowles’ defense is the 17th-ranked scoring unit (22.8/game).
Bowles is one of the most aggressive-minded defensive coaches in the league. Though the Buccaneers have posted a middling 12 sacks in five games, expect Bowles to dial up pressure early and often against a struggling Saints offensive line. Rattler's ability to make sound decisions was in question throughout the pre-draft process, and it'll be tested versus a Buccaneers defense that will overcrowd the line of scrimmage.
Rattler displayed starting quarterback upside throughout his final season at South Carolina and the pre-draft process. It was surprising to see him slide to the fifth round. Rattler now possesses an opportunity to show the Saints he has life-after-Carr potential.
