Dennis Allen speaks on Spencer Rattler’s future after Saints benched him in Week 8

With Derek Carr on track to return in Week 9, Spencer Rattler’s time as the starting quarterback for the New Orleans Saints is over for now. It likely would’ve still been over if Carr wasn’t on track to return, because Rattler was benched in the third quarter of New Orleans’ loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

The Saints were down double digits, and having already lost five straight games, they felt they needed a spark. That’s why second-year quarterback Jake Haener was put into the game, even though he has served as Rattler’s backup for three games. In the end, it didn’t make much of a difference, as New Orleans still lost 26-8.

Naturally, Rattler being pulled from the game led to questions, so head coach Dennis Allen took some time to talk about the rookie quarterback in a recent press conference. Allen expressed that he's still encouraged and excited about Rattler as a quarterback, but admits he’s young and developing, and needs a little more time in the oven.

Dennis Allen is excited about Spencer Rattler but says he needs more time to grow

This isn’t surprising, as this is the case with all young quarterbacks, and players in general. There’s a learning curve when entering the NFL, and young quarterbacks’ struggles are often under a microscope. While Rattler’s stint as the starter didn’t go as everyone hoped, he definitely gave reasons to be excited about his future.

In the three games, he completed 59.6% of his 99 passes for 571 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. He also ran nine times for 61 yards, and fumbled the ball three times.

He had several moments where he flashed the skillset that made him a famous quarterback as a teenager, but he also had multiple moments that reminded viewers he was a rookie quarterback making his first few starts. Ultimately, this should be valuable experience that helps him continue his development.

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