Spencer Rattler making Saints' 2025 QB decision trickier with inspired effort in loss

On Sunday, the New Orleans Saints lost their ninth game of the season, falling 20-19 to the Washington Commanders. It was another brutal one-score loss, and essentially squashed any playoff hopes, keeping New Orleans out of the postseason for a fourth straight year. Despite all of that, Saints fans left the game on a high, feeling a bit encouraged. The reason why: Spencer Rattler.

Rattler didn’t enter Week 15 as New Orleans’ starter. With Derek Carr sidelined with a hand injury, the Saints decided to start second-year quarterback Jake Haener. However, Haener was pulled from the game in the third quarter in favor of Rattler. The rookie quarterback made the most of his opportunity, nearly leading the Saints to an incredible comeback.

When Rattler entered the game, the Saints trailed 17-0. New Orleans scored on Rattler’s first drive in the game, and every series after that. In four consecutive drives, the rookie led the Saints to a touchdown, a field goal, another field, and then another touchdown.

The final touchdown came as the clock expired, with Rattler completing a one-yard pass to Foster Moreau. New Orleans had the opportunity to attempt a PAT and go to overtime, but the team made the correct decision to go for two, and the win. Unfortunately, the Saints fell short, and ultimately lost, but the franchise may have found its quarterback of the future.

Spencer Rattler could be QB1 for Saints in 2025

Rattler finished the game 10-of-21 for 135 yards and a touchdown. He had several big-time throws, and he gave New Orleans a chance to win a game that the team was completely out of before he entered. With the direction the Saints are headed, Rattler could be establishing himself as QB1 moving forward.

New Orleans will be entering a new era this offseason, as the team searches for a new head coach. In the next two years, the franchise will also be saying farewell to many key veterans. With three games left in the 2024 regular season, it’s unclear what Derek Carr’s role is in future plans.

In two years in New Orleans, the Saints have been average with him in the lineup, and he has also dealt with several injuries. He does have two more years on his contract after this season, but New Orleans could be ready to move on.

Barring an injury, Rattler will certainly start the final three games for the Saints, and if he continues to impress, New Orleans could decide to hand him the keys to the franchise.

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