NEW ORLEANS — In a dramatic switch during the New Orleans Saints matchup against the Washington Commanders, rookie Spencer Rattler took over for Jake Haener as the team commenced the third quarter. On his very first play, Rattler opted to throw the ball away just before two defenders could reach him unopposed, signaling a shift in dynamics from the struggles seen in the first half.
Rattler’s performance starkly contrasted the challenges Haener faced earlier in the game. Almost leading the Saints back from a daunting 17-0 deficit, Rattler fell short on a critical 2-point conversion attempt, resulting in a final score of 20-19 in favor of the Commanders. Rattler managed to deliver a last-second 1-yard touchdown pass to teammate Foster Moreau, creating a potential game-winning opportunity. However, the decision by interim coach Darren Rizzi to go for a 2-point conversion instead of tying the game did not pay off, as tight end Juwan Johnson could not secure Rattler’s difficult pass in the end zone.
“I just went out there and played my style,” Rattler remarked after the game. This marked his return to the field after a rocky stint where he was unable to secure a victory in three previous games while substituting for the injured Derek Carr. “I wanted to cut it loose and play free,” he added, reflecting on his approach during the challenging situation.
While Haener had a rough outing, completing only 4 of 10 passes for a mere 49 yards, the Saints’ offense was stagnant, producing just two first downs and 38 yards over the course of 14 plays in the first half. However, Rattler ignited the offense, leading to scores on all four of his series. He amassed 207 yards and accrued 15 first downs, including a remarkable 39-yard completion to Marquez Valdes-Scantling. This set the stage for a trick play where wide receiver Cedric Wilson connected with running back Alvin Kamara for a 21-yard touchdown. Following this, kicker Blake Grupe added field goals of 41 and 51 yards.
“We felt like we needed to make a change there at halftime,” Rizzi commented on Rattler’s entry into the game. He praised Rattler’s performance, noting that the team allowed only six points in the second half, which ultimately renewed their chances of winning. “We needed one more play and unfortunately we dug too big of a hole in the first half,” Rizzi mentioned, reflecting on the early struggles of the Saints.
Haener, who was a fourth-round pick out of Fresno State in 2023, made his debut as a starter due to Carr’s injury issues, including a concussion. Haener’s initial drives saw him sacked two times and throwing an interception while attempting to escape defensive pressure, which directly led to a touchdown for the Commanders.
Haener expressed his desire to showcase his abilities and play a full game, feeling restricted in his opportunities. “I obviously want to be able to go and not have that leash be that tight,” he admitted. Despite this, Rizzi noted that the team’s struggles were not solely attributable to Haener’s performance, as several plays were undermined by penalties or missed opportunities.
Rattler completed his day with 10 interceptions out of 21 attempts for 135 yards, a touchdown, and no turnovers or sacks, reflecting a marked improvement. “He hit some plays, and you could see that from his time at South Carolina,” observed Commanders coach Dan Quinn.
In a climactic turn, after Washington missed a 54-yard field goal attempt, Rattler seized the moment, leading a swift drive down the field. He converted on a crucial third-and-1 play and then hit Moreau again for the touchdown after a brief stoppage of the clock, emphasizing a sense of victory despite the loss. “We believed that we could come out and win the game, and we were an inch away,” Rattler concluded, noting his pride in the effort put forth by the team.
