3 Saints who need to thrive in Week 6 vs Buccaneers to help Spencer Rattler

In Week 6, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the New Orleans Saints are planning to start rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler. Derek Carr is sidelined with an oblique injury, and although Jake Haener has served at QB2 all season, it’s Rattler that’s getting the start.

A rookie quarterback starting their first game is always a scary, and exciting experience. They’re usually starting because they’re extremely talented, but they’re also an inexperienced rookie, and you never know what you’re going to get.

One thing is for certain: the team wants to make things as easy as possible for the rookie QB. That will definitely be the case on Sunday with Rattler and the Saints. For things to be easy for Rattler, New Orleans will need several people to step up.

3. Saints offensive line needs to thrive in Week 6

It doesn’t matter if you’re a rookie quarterback or a veteran at the end of a Hall of Fame career, it’s hard to play quarterback well without protection. That’s why New Orleans’ offense line needs to make sure it keeps Rattler clean on Sunday.

Unfortunately, this line is dealing with its fair share of injuries, so Rattler won’t be standing behind the top unit. Still, whichever five are on the field need to figure out a way to protect the rookie.

2. Alvin Kamara needs to help Spencer Rattler in Week 6

A quarterback’s best friend is the run game. When the run game is working well, the pass rush slows down, and passing the ball becomes much easier. Luckily for Spencer Rattler, he has one of the best running backs in the NFL.

Alvin Kamara is also dealing with multiple injuries, but he has found a way to get on the field each week and dominate. If he and the line can get the ground game going, Rattler should have a great debut. Additionally, Kamara serves as a great safety valve as a pass catcher out of the backfield.

1. Saints defense needs to play well against Buccaneers

The last thing a team should do is make a rookie quarterback be their savior— in general or in a given game. You don’t want to be in a position where you’re chasing points and dropping back every down because you need to put a lot of points on the board.

That’s where the Saints defense come into the equation. They can’t allow this game to become a shootout. The defense needs to limit Tampa Bay’s scoring, and also get a couple of turnovers to set Rattler and the offense up with good field position. If they do that, New Orleans should be able to win this game.

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