Overreactions: Saints vs. Commanders

The New Orleans Saints’ miraculous comeback got here up quick as their game-winning two-point conversion try fell incomplete, leading to a 20-19 defeat to the Washington Commanders in Marshon Lattimore’s return to the Superdome.

Regardless of not leaving the sphere with a victory, there was lots to remove from Sunday’s matchup, together with who ought to begin at quarterback if Derek Carr stays sidelined in Week 16 and the pure place of one of many protection’s rising playmakers. Moreover, the Saints now maintain the tenth decide within the 2025 NFL Draft.

Let’s talk about two potential overreactions following the Saints’ Week 15 loss to the Commanders:

Stephen Lew-Imagn Pictures

Does Spencer Rattler deserve a shot because the starter subsequent season?

After an extended week of debating whether or not promising rookie Spencer Rattler or second-year backup Jake Haener deserved to start out at quarterback for New Orleans whereas Derek Carr progresses by means of the concussion protocol and nurses his fractured non-throwing hand, the Saints rapidly realized they made the improper determination the second time round.

Named a starter for the primary time in his younger profession, Jake Haener had a tough exhibiting. He accomplished simply 4 of 10 passes for 49 yards and an interception, whereas additionally taking 3 sacks and posting a QBR of 16.2. Although the offensive line began sluggish, Haener had a number of performs the place he both held onto the ball too lengthy or let his pleased toes get the perfect of him, making it troublesome for routes to develop and for receivers to get open. It virtually felt like he was afraid of getting hit, although he nonetheless made some spectacular throws that weren’t caught.

The offense totaled simply 38 yards within the first half (20 passing and 18 dashing) and managed solely 2 first downs on 20 performs. Nevertheless, interim HC Darren Rizzi made it clear that the Saints’ first-half struggles weren’t solely because of Haener’s poor play. He pointed to a holding penalty that worn out a 15-yard first right down to WR Cedrick Wilson Jr. and a 20+ yard dropped move by WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling.

Haener expressed his disappointment in the way in which issues performed out however mentioned he gained’t sit there and really feel sorry for himself and can maintain his head down and ignore the skin noise.

Finally, Rizzi made a daring determination that paid off—one we seemingly wouldn’t have seen below Dennis Allen. With 8:07 left within the third quarter, the Saints pulled Haener, and Spencer Rattler took over for his or her first drive of the second half. He instantly offered the offense a desperately wanted spark, ending with 10 completions on 21 makes an attempt for 135 yards and a clutch landing move to TE Foster Moreau to cap off the ultimate two-minute drill. Rattler accomplished 5 of seven passes for 28 yards on the game-deciding drive and was accountable for 8 of the 15 second-half first downs.

Rizzi credit Rattler’s preparation and resiliency for his spectacular efficiency and his skill to deal with being thrown into the fireplace. He added that Rattler stored a constructive angle all through the week and by no means moped about not being named the starter.

One thing I discovered noteworthy:

Spencer Rattler’s stats are form of loopy whenever you break it down:- General: 10-21, 135 yards, TD~- The whole lot however 2-minute drive: 4-14 (28.5%), 109 yards- 2-minute drive: 5-6 (83.3%), 26 yards, TD

Child was nails when Saints completely wanted him to be.pic.twitter.com/8WSCOEoZNh

— Jeff Nowak (@Jeff_Nowak) December 16, 2024

Although they misplaced the sport, the Saints might have found one thing extraordinarily invaluable about Spencer Rattler. It was already evident that Rattler is bodily gifted sufficient to be a beginning quarterback on this league however seeing that he can face adversity with poise at an expert stage is extremely encouraging. And with the uncertainty surrounding Derek Carr’s future in New Orleans, it might be value giving Rattler a shot because the starter subsequent season, particularly since a severely underwhelming draft class on the quarterback place simply acquired even thinner with Penn State QB Drew Allar returning to high school for his senior season.

If Derek Carr is pressured to overlook Monday evening’s matchup with the Inexperienced Bay Packers, ought to Spencer Rattler get the nod to start out? Moreover, does he deserve a shot at being the full-time starter subsequent season if the Saints determine to half methods with Carr?

Matthew Hinton-Imagn Pictures

Has Alontae Taylor truly been higher on the skin?

When this determination was made, I used to be skeptical as a result of I assumed the extreme switching might hinder Taylor’s confidence. Final season, when he was moved to the slot, he seemed utterly misplaced, and it was apparent that nickel wasn’t a pure match for him. Nevertheless, Taylor made the many of the 2024 offseason by absolutely embracing his new position. He constantly expressed his need to be the perfect slot nook within the league, and earlier than being moved again exterior, it appeared he was near reaching that purpose. A year-three Alontae Taylor has taken a major leap in manufacturing and has been one of many extra constant playmakers for the New Orleans protection this season. He ranks among the many most disruptive defenders throughout the league in the case of interceptions, passes defensed, pressured fumbles, or tackles for loss.

Alontae has allowed 30 receptions on 46 targets for 540 yards and three touchdowns, together with 5 move breakups and seven stops in seven video games since taking up as the first exterior nook reverse Kool-Support McKinstry. In distinction, he allowed 38 receptions on 47 targets for 338 yards and 1 landing whereas tallying 4 PBUs, 15 stops, and 1 pressured fumble through the seven video games he performed primarily within the slot.

If the plan is for Taylor to remain on the skin subsequent season, he’ll want to scrub up some dangerous habits—4 of his six penalties this season have occurred whereas enjoying out huge.

What do you suppose? Ought to the Saints let Alontae deal with his growth as a lockdown exterior nook whereas Ugo Amadi continues to emerge within the slot, or ought to they think about transferring him again to the nickel so guys like Shemar Jean-Charles or Rico Payton can see some reps alongside Kool-Support?