Saints Bench Jake Haener at Halftime, Spencer Rattler Sparks Offense in Loss to Commanders
NEW ORLEANS — It was a rough day at the office for New Orleans Saints quarterback Jake Haener, and the team didn’t hesitate to make a bold move. After a dismal first half against the Washington Commanders, the Saints decided they had seen enough, benching Haener in favor of rookie Spencer Rattler. The decision came after the Saints’ offense sputtered to just 38 net yards in the first half, marking their worst offensive performance in a half since 2002. Ouch.
Haener, who was filling in for the injured Derek Carr, struggled mightily in his first career start. The rookie completed just 4 of 10 passes for 49 yards, threw an interception, and was sacked three times. It was a nightmare debut for Haener, and the Saints’ coaching staff didn’t wait around to see if he could turn things around in the second half.
Enter Spencer Rattler
When the second half began, it was Rattler who trotted onto the field to a warm reception from the home crowd. Haener, meanwhile, stood on the sideline wearing a baseball cap, his day done. Rattler wasted no time making an impact. On just his sixth play, he connected with wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling for a 39-yard gain, electrifying the Superdome and giving the Saints a much-needed spark.
That big play set up a creative touchdown on the very next snap. Rattler tossed the ball back to wide receiver Cedric Wilson Jr., who then launched a 21-yard touchdown pass to running back Alvin Kamara. It was the Saints’ first score of the game, and for a moment, it looked like the offense might finally find its rhythm.
Rattler’s Rollercoaster Season
This wasn’t Rattler’s first time stepping in for Carr this season. Earlier in the year, he started three games while Carr dealt with an oblique strain. During that stretch, Rattler completed 59.6% of his passes for 571 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. However, he also faced relentless pressure, getting sacked 14 times in those three starts. With Carr now sidelined due to an injury to his non-throwing hand, Rattler once again finds himself in the spotlight.
Key Takeaways from the Game
Here are some of the most notable moments and stats from the Saints’ quarterback shuffle against the Commanders:
- Jake Haener’s struggles: 4-of-10 passing, 49 yards, one interception, and three sacks in one half of play.
- Offensive woes: The Saints managed just 38 net yards in the first half, their worst performance in a half since 2002.
- Spencer Rattler’s spark: A 39-yard pass to Marquez Valdes-Scantling followed by a trick-play touchdown to Alvin Kamara.
- Injury concerns: Derek Carr remains out with a non-throwing hand injury, leaving the Saints’ quarterback situation in flux.
What’s Next for the Saints?
With Carr’s return timeline still uncertain, the Saints have some tough decisions to make at quarterback. Rattler showed flashes of potential in the second half, but his earlier starts this season were far from perfect. Meanwhile, Haener’s disastrous debut raises questions about whether he’s ready for the NFL stage. The Saints’ coaching staff will need to evaluate their options carefully as they prepare for their next matchup.
For now, Saints fans can only hope that the team’s offense can find some consistency, regardless of who’s under center. Whether it’s Rattler, Haener, or a returning Carr, the Saints need to get back on track if they want to stay competitive in the NFC South.
Stay tuned, Saints fans—this quarterback saga is far from over.
Originally Written by: Mike Triplett
