Could Spencer Rattler bounce back after struggling against the Chicago Bears? This was the biggest question heading into the New Orleans Saints matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Sadly, he couldn’t and was benched for rookie Tyler Shough in the third quarter.
Rattler went 15/21, 136 yards, one interception, and one fumble on Sunday afternoon. He was taken out of action with 3:57 remaining in the third quarter.
I’m not here to give an opinion on who should be the starter going forward, however, Rattler’s season isn’t over despite these two underwhelming weeks. He still has an opportunity to compete and win his starting job back. Kellen Moore hasn’t named a starting quarterback for next week yet, it’s entirely possible it’s Rattler again.
A benching could be exactly what Spencer Rattler needs
Sometimes all it takes is being benched for a player to wake up. We’ve seen it time and again. For example, Justin Fields was benched last week for the New York Jets then he led them to a comeback victory the following game. It’s a harsh measure but sometimes a wake up call is needed.
Rattler is no stranger to adversity. He’s faced it throughout his entire college career. He’s prepared and knows how to respond: get back to work. Don’t mistake it, he will be the first player at the facility on Monday morning. That’s just the player he is.
Moore frequently said that the quarterback evaluation would be a week-by-week process. Not anymore. Now it’s a day-by-day battle. Whoever has the best week will be the starter.
Spencer Rattler may be down, but he certainly isn’t out. The second year pro was benched in favor of rookie Tyler Shough in the Saints loss to the Buccaneers. Although it seems glim, his season isn’t over. He just has to keep fighting, taking it day-by-day.