It didn't matter if it was Tyler Shough or Spencer Rattler. The New Orleans Saints needed to use their quarterback's athleticism. Neither of these guys is Jalen Hurts, but it was an aspect of the offense I was personally looking forward to Kellen Moore implementing. So far, it's delivered.
Through two games, Rattler has been decisive when using his legs. He isn't pulling the read option and running for 15 yards. Shough was seen doing those things in the preseason, so we know it's in the playbook. Maybe you'll see more of that from Rattler as well as the season goes on.
Right now, Rattler is equally as effective using his legs in the pocket on passing plays. The second-year quarterback has shown a knack for taking off from the pocket to make plays with his legs. It's a step forward in development, and it's a part of his game Rattler wants to remain prevalent.
The world needs more of Spencer Rattler running the football
Rattler shown the ability to take off and run, but there likely isn't any plays that exemplify his effectiveness better than his fourth down conversion and a surprising third down conversion. Both plays came against the 49ers, but they look dramatically different.
Nick Bosa was coming off the edge and got close to Rattler, but Rattler moved up in the pocket right in time. From there his mind was on running. He found himself sandwiched between two 49ers three yards shy of the first down marker, and he somehow took the contact, slipped out and got the first down by a comfortable margin.
Rattler didn't even get up like it was something special. He just pointed first down with the swagger we've grown accustomed to seeing from the quarterback. "In moments like that you kind of have to take over and get the first down if you have to. That brings a little juice to the team, to the crowd, so I want to do that more," Rattler said.
He's right too. Seeing your quarterback make that play on third down when you need it is electrifying. Look, Rattler isn't going to be Lamar Jackson or his draftmate, Jayden Daniels. In some ways, that makes his plays more special because of the unexpected nature of them.
On a fourth down attempt, Rattler showed he can run on called plays as well. It was fourth and short. The RPO put the 49ers defensive back in conflict, cover Kamara or charge at Rattler. He actually played it phenomenally, but Rattler was able to make him miss. This was a call Rattler loved. Fans certainly love seeing him use his legs. If he wants to do it more and he can be this effective, you'e bound to see more plays designed to use Rattler's legs.