Every quarterback in the NFL has a weakness. It doesn’t matter if you're the reigning MVP Lamar Jackson or rookie Cam Ward, they all have something for defenses to exploit. PFF’s John Kosko set out to reveal the kryptonite for every starting quarterback ahead of the 2025 season. Kosko highlighted Spencer Rattler as being weak against the blitz. He needs to improve at this for the Saints to have any success in 2025.
Kosko notes how there are multiple struggles in Rattler’s game, but his performance against the blitz stands alone. He includes how his passing grade according to PFF was the lowest in the NFL in these situations.
“There were many warts in Rattler’s rookie season, which concluded with a 49.4 PFF passing grade," Kosko wrote. "Defensive coordinators love sending heat after quarterbacks to make them get rid of the ball quickly, and they especially love to do so against rookies. When Rattler saw a blitz coming, his 46.4 PFF passing grade was the worst in the NFL.”
Spencer Rattler needs to improve against the blitz for the Saints to have success
Rattler improving against the blitz is pivotal for the Saints. Their offense has lots of question marks. This makes it paramount that they avoid negative plays. The Saints can’t afford to either get behind the chains or squander a third down.
The Saints offensive line is questionable, especially in the interior. Erik McCoy is a star, nobody is doubting that. However, Cesar Ruiz and Trevor Penning/ Toricelli Simpkins/ Dillon Radunz aren’t reliable. Teams are going to try and exploit this as much as possible. Pressure from the interior is the most dangerous kind for a young quarterback. This could be the downfall for the Saints offense if Rattler doesn’t improve.
There is hope as Rattler has made giant strides heading into year two. It’s expected to struggle as a rookie, especially since he was selected in the fifth round. He looked significantly more decisive in the preseason. This will help him take less time to decide on the throw, making him more effective when being pressured.
John Kosko was dead accurate while naming Spencer Rattler’s kryptonite. He needs to improve against the blitz in year two. It could be the difference between the Saints winning and losing a game.