On November 21, 2023, the New Orleans Saints made a surprising move by benching quarterback Jake Haener in favor of Spencer Rattler. Haener had started the first 10 games of the season and had led the Saints to a 5-5 record. However, the Saints have struggled in recent weeks, losing three of their last four games. Rattler, a former five-star recruit who transferred from Oklahoma to South Carolina last year, has been waiting for his chance to prove himself in the NFL. Now, he will have the opportunity to do just that.
Haener has shown flashes of potential during his time with the Saints. He has a strong arm and is a capable runner. However, he has also been prone to turnovers and has struggled to make consistent throws. In his 10 starts this season, Haener has thrown for 2,000 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He has also been sacked 25 times.
Haener’s struggles have been particularly evident in recent weeks. In the Saints’ last three games, he has thrown for just two touchdowns and six interceptions. He has also been sacked 10 times. The Saints’ offense has averaged just 13 points per game during that span.
Rattler is a highly-touted prospect who has yet to live up to his potential in the NFL. He was a five-star recruit coming out of high school and was considered one of the best quarterbacks in the country. He started 26 games for Oklahoma and South Carolina, throwing for 4,343 yards, 36 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions. He also rushed for 638 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Rattler is a talented passer with a strong arm and good mobility. He is also a good decision-maker and has a high football IQ. However, he has also been known to make mistakes and has struggled to stay healthy.
The Saints’ decision to bench Haener and start Rattler is a risky one. Rattler is a talented quarterback, but he is also unproven at the NFL level. He has only played in four games this season and has yet to throw a touchdown pass.
However, the Saints believe that Rattler gives them the best chance to win now. They are hoping that he can provide a spark to the offense and help them make a playoff push.
The benching of Haener and the promotion of Rattler could have a significant impact on the Saints’ season. If Rattler is able to play well, he could help the Saints make a playoff run. However, if he struggles, the Saints could miss the playoffs for the second straight year.
The Saints are a talented team with a lot of potential. However, they have struggled to find consistency this season. The benching of Haener and the promotion of Rattler is a sign that the Saints are willing to make changes in order to improve their chances of winning.
The Saints’ decision to bench Haener and start Rattler is a bold one. It is a sign that the Saints are not satisfied with their current performance and are willing to make changes in order to improve. Only time will tell if Rattler is able to live up to the expectations and help the Saints make a playoff run.
