The New Orleans Saints’ quarterback situation turned uglier this week when a 50-voter panel reported by The Athletic placed Spencer Rattler as the second-worst starting quarterback in the NFL, ahead of only Denver’s Bo Nix. That ranking stings more because Rattler isn’t a rookie learning the ropes; he’s entering his second NFL season after seeing substantial action in 2024.
Year Two, Not Year One
Rattler was a fifth-round pick by the Saints in the 2024 NFL Draft and took over late last season after Derek Carr’s injury-plagued campaign. Carr started 12 games, throwing for 2,904 yards with 19 touchdowns and 9 interceptions, but the offense ranked just 21st in scoring and often sputtered in key moments. In his seven appearances (five starts), Rattler threw for 1,317 yards with four touchdowns and five interceptions, completing 61.8% of his passes. The hope was that a full offseason in Kellen Moore’s system would push those numbers upward, but the preseason hasn’t suggested a leap is imminent.
Preseason Reality Check
The preseason opener didn’t help. In the Saints’ 27-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, Rattler completed 7 of 11 passes for 53 yards and lost a fumble, and afterward he gave a candid self-assessment: “Too much up and down… I thought I left some plays out there.” In five series, Rattler was unable to lead the Saints to points, even with field position that started deep in Chargers territory.
The Competition Isn’t Helping
Compounding the problem: Tyler Shough has looked more comfortable of late, with better pocket presence and cleaner reads in practice and preseason action. Several national analysts have pointed out that, while Shough may lack Rattler’s arm, he’s offered steadier play, and that’s made the Saints’ QB room feel more unsettled than anyone expected.
Perception vs. Potential
Being ranked near the bottom by a panel doesn’t seal a player’s fate. Plenty of quarterbacks rebound from bad early grades. The trouble for New Orleans is timing: Rattler was drafted to be part of the solution, not necessarily to sit and develop over multiple seasons. The Saints have a new staff, schematic changes under Moore, and an imperfect offensive line, all factors that can mask or magnify a young QB’s flaws.
Not All Bad
Not every review of the Saints’ quarterback was so negative. Saints Wire reports that one voter had an optimistic outlook. “You watch Rattler play against Tampa Bay in his first game, then watch him play against Tampa Bay in his last game, I mean, there was a lot to love there. He improved.”
What Comes Next
Moore has publicly backed Rattler heading into the regular season, but that support can be short-lived if Week 1 performances mirror preseason rust. The clock is ticking faster for second-year players than for true rookies — fans and front offices are less patient — and Shough’s steady showing gives the Saints a viable alternative if Rattler can’t shake the preseason narrative.
“I’ve been doubted before,” Rattler said. “This isn’t new. I know what I can do. I just have to prove it.”
This isn’t a death sentence for Spencer Rattler, but the label of “second-worst” is a heavy one, and one he’ll have to answer for on the field, not in soundbites. The Saints wanted someone who could accelerate their rebuild; now the question is whether Rattler can flip public perception before it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
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