Spencer Rattler and the Saints 'Locked In' Ahead of Week 2 Clash with 49ers
Spencer Rattler remains confident despite the New Orleans Saints' (0-1) Week 1 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. As they prepare to face the San Francisco 49ers (1-0), Rattler is focused on improving his performance and leading the team to their first win since December 2024.
Rattler's Self-Assessment and Team Response
Rattler acknowledged the need to improve his accuracy, extend plays with his legs, and avoid sacks. He also addressed the 13 penalties that plagued the Saints in their 20-13 defeat. Coach Kellen Moore responded to the penalty issues by bringing in officials to practice, a measure not taken since training camp. According to Rattler, the team is now "locked in," recognizing the seriousness of pre- and post-snap details.
Chris Olave has observed Rattler taking a leadership role in practice, proactively addressing issues and seeking solutions. This increased involvement is helping the team and Rattler himself build confidence.
The Pressure and the Past
The Saints' last victory was on December 8, 2024, in Derek Carr's final game as the starter. Rattler is currently on a seven-game losing streak as a starter, a statistic shared by only a handful of quarterbacks since 1950. During his stint as a temporary starter in 2024, filling in for an injured Carr, Rattler faced numerous challenges, including being benched and enduring a high number of sacks.
Despite the adversity, tight end Juwan Johnson believes Rattler's confidence stems from preparation and a growing understanding of the offense. In the Week 1 loss, Rattler displayed poise during a two-minute drill comeback attempt, earning praise from offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, who highlighted his excellent communication and vision.
Key Moments and Connections
Rattler highlighted a tough catch attempt by Johnson in the end zone, emphasizing his trust in the tight end despite the incompletion. The connection between Rattler and Johnson was evident last season, with Johnson being a frequent target. Rattler anticipates a similar dynamic this season.
With a "clear vision" as the Week 1 starter, Rattler aims to play fast, lead effectively, and secure wins for the Saints. He believes the team and coaches trust in his abilities.
Analyzing Rattler's Week 1 Performance Against the Cardinals
Kellen Moore's decision to name Rattler the starter signaled a shift away from a quarterback competition during the season. However, Rattler's performance will be closely evaluated against the potential of rookie Tyler Shough. One key observation from the game against the Cardinals was the conservative play-calling in the first half.
The conservative approach appeared to be a deliberate strategy by Moore to ease Rattler into the game. Although it may have limited big-play opportunities, it aimed to build Rattler's comfort and confidence. While the first half went smoothly, the second half revealed more pronounced challenges.
Missed Opportunities for Deep Shots
Rattler seemed to avoid taking deep shots in the second half. One instance involved a miscommunication with Shaheed, resulting in a near interception. Later, with 9:09 left in the third quarter, Rattler missed an opportunity to connect with an open Chris Olave for a potential touchdown. Similarly, with 7:03 left in the third, Olave and Shaheed were open for deep passes but Rattler chose a shorter option.
Offensive Line Performance and Rattler's Pocket Presence
The Saints' offensive line played exceptionally well, providing Rattler with clean pockets. However, Rattler often left these pockets prematurely, hindering play development. He occasionally dropped too deep, creating blocking issues, or attempted to extend plays unnecessarily. This is a habit he needs to shed to succeed in the NFL.
Saints vs. 49ers: Passing Game Preview
The New Orleans Saints face the San Francisco 49ers seeking their first win of the season. Injuries plague the team, making a balanced offensive attack crucial, with Spencer Rattler and the passing game needing to elevate their performance.
49ers Pass Defense Analysis
The 49ers boast a formidable pass defense, ranking 5th in the NFL last season. With Robert Saleh back as defensive coordinator, expect increased pressure from the defensive line. Nick Bosa leads the pass rush, supported by rookie Mykel Williams and veterans Bryce Huff and Yetur Gross-Matos. Linebackers Fred Warner and Dee Winters excel in coverage, and the secondary is led by corners Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green and safety Ji'Ayir Brown. The 49ers' defense stifled the Seattle Seahawks' passing attack in Week 1, limiting completions to wide receivers.
Saints Passing Attack Scrutiny
The Saints' passing attack ranked 23rd in the league last season. Rattler needs to improve his pocket awareness, read defenses more effectively, and push the ball downfield. The offense averages just 13 points per game with him at quarterback. Better play-calling and game plan design from Kellen Moore could aid his quarterback. A more efficient running game will certainly help.
Against the Cardinals, key targets like Rashid Shaheed and Alvin Kamara were underutilized in the passing game. Chris Olave was targeted frequently, but often as a stationary target. The Saints must find ways to leverage the elusiveness of these playmakers. Juwan Johnson continues to emerge as a reliable target for Rattler.
Keys to Success Against the 49ers
For Rattler to succeed, he needs protection upfront. The right tackle position, where Nick Bosa may line up against a hobbled Taliese Fuaga or replacement Asim Richards, will be critical. Kelvin Banks Jr. must handle his assignment at left tackle to enable double-teams on Bosa. The Saints must get the ball into the hands of their playmakers quickly through screens, swing passes, and timing routes. Utilizing an up-tempo attack, as seen against the Cardinals, could be effective, but finishing drives remains a crucial challenge.
