New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler (18) passes in the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz. The Saints won 16-14.
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) A few days before the New Orleans Saints opened their preseason against the Arizona Cardinals, coach Dennis Allen said he wanted to see how his young quarterbacks fared when the lights were bright and the pressure was on. Consider that initial test passed.
Both Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler played extensively, both faced demanding situations and both put points on the board. Neither was perfect, but the positives outweighed the negatives for both quarterbacks competing for the No. 2 job behind Derek Carr.
“Both of them made plays, both of them did some good stuff, both of them led 2-minute drives,” Allen said. “You can never get enough of that type of situational work, and in particular for those young guys to be put in those situations, both of them responded well.” Haener got the first crack, entering for the third offensive drive, and he led two scoring drives, including one that started at his own 21-yard line with just 22 seconds remaining in the first half.
Rattler led a game-winning drive in the final two minutes, connecting on six throws to set Charlie Smyth up for the decisive kick. It was a positive affirmation of what both young quarterbacks have been putting on display in training camp. Both have displayed impressive abili.