The were from Spencer Rattler in the rookie quarterback’s first taste of action. On Saturday, Rattler orchestrated a seamless 12-play, 56-yard drive in the final two minutes of the Saints’ preseason opener against the , completing six of his first eight passes on the drive to position his team in field goal position. Charlie Smyth sailed a 37-yard field goal through the uprights with five seconds left on the clock, capping off a 16-14 win for New Orleans.
“We had zero issues with operation, operations went super smooth,” Rattler told reporters after the game. “We could have had better execution here and there, that is what first games are for to work those kinks out. First live game, I was happy to go in there and play ball, put my foot on the gas and come out with a win.
” Rattler displayed poise in the pocket and quick decision making throughout Saturday’s contest, finishing the night 9-of-17 (53%) for 70 yards through the air. “I thought he executed with poise,” Saints coach Dennis Allen said of the young signal-caller. “I thought he made some plays, I thought he was able to create with his feet when things didn’t go exactly how you wanted it to.
So I thought he did a good job.” Midway through the third quarter, Rattler additionally showcased his quickness and mobility, evading a collapsed pocket and lunging towards the pylon on a 4-yard touchdown run. Upon nearing the end zone, the 23-year-old lowered his shoulder into Cardinals cornerback Darren Ha.