Spencer Rattler is entering New Orleans Saints training camp a much different player than he did a year ago. Not only does he have a year of NFL experience under his belt, he also unexpectedly has a handful of starts to his name.
The reports out of minicamp and organized team activities is Rattler looks like an improved version of himself. The most notable improvement is his faster processing time. There were times where he’d hold on to the ball for too long as a rookie. Even though Rattler isn’t facing a pass rush in practice yet, the speed through his progressions has caught some eyes.
As he looks to take control of the starting role, Rattler's. As far as starts go, Rattler is technically the most experienced quarterback on the roster. Rattler recently spoke with Rich Eisen about the benefits of playing real life snaps as he heads into Year 2.
Spencer Rattler had to step up for the Saints before he was ready
“I thought it was great to be thrown in that fire sooner than expected. Didn’t think I was going to get any starts my first year, especially being drafted where I was,” Rattler said. There was a movement clamoring for Rattler to enter the fray last offseason. Many viewed him as a potential future piece, but that future was supposed to be in the... future.
Carr had been extremely durable throughout his career. The veteran missing more games in 2024 than his entire career prior opened the door for the rookie to step into a starting role. Truth be told, Rattler wasn't ready. He showed flashes, but he clearly needed time to develop. Instead of developing through watching, he developed through playing.
Rattler said being thrown into action early allowed him to “learn a lot from what I went through.” Rattler acknowledged it was a rough year for the team and for himself. As much as taking lessons from the games he played was beneficial, it had to be tough to go winless even with the deck stacked against him.
Lessons Spencer Rattler took from his rookie season
When asked what he learned from those games, Rattler replied, "just the NFL game overall. The preparation, obviously the skillset is at a different level. Each and every week you’re playing the best guys in the world so preparation is key." Learning how to prepare at the next level is an underrated process collegiate quarterbacks have to learn when making that jump.
Defensive coordinators tend to smell blood when facing an inexperienced quarterback. Rattler named Todd Bowles, specifically, as a defensive mind who through a lot at him schematically. Rattler enjoyed going back to that film this offseason. He's feeling better heading into his second year because of it.