The New Orleans Saints had another chance to cast some mystery on who might start at quarterback in Derek Carr's absence, but the head coach took a different route.
Speaking on Monday, head coach Dennis Allen made it clear they'd be sticking with rookie QB Spencer Rattler as the team heads out to L.A. for a date with the Chargers and, the Saints hope, the end of a five-game losing streak.
"I think Spencer has done some good things," Allen said. "I mean, obviously there’s been some rookie mistakes. You’ve got to do a better job of protecting the football. That would be probably the biggest thing that we have to do a better job of."
The Saints have publicly backed the 5th round pick out of South Carolina since he's taken over, despite a pair of blowout losses that included some significant struggles on offense. The Saints, fueled by defensive takeaways, put up 27 points in the first half against the Bucs in Week 6, but were shut out in the second half. The offense led by Rattler managed just a field goal on 11 offensive drives, to go with a pair of fumbles, before leaving due to a hip issue suffered during the game.
Through two games Rattler has completed 62.7% of his passes (47-75) for 415 yards and touchdown against two interceptions. To this point Rattler has been an effective quarterback when kept clean in the pocket or on the move, but hasn't handled pressure particularly well -- not something unusual for a young quarterback. According to Pro Football Focus, Rattler has faved pressure on 38 dropbacks, completing 43.5% of his passing attempts (10-23) for 117 yards, an interception and has been sacked 11 times. Compare that to a 71.2% completion rate (37-52) for 298 yards, a touchdown and an interception when kept clean behind the line of scrimmage.
Related
The question emerged in whether the team might seek to get a look at Jake Haener in that role, with the second-year QB going 11 plays for a touchdown in his lone offensive drive at the end of the game. Haener and Rattler competed for the backup job in camp, a race that was close throughout. Haener was given the gameday backup role behind Carr for the first five weeks, but was bypassed when it came to the starter role.
It's clear that the team sees the situation as one where if the supporting cast improves around the young QB, better offensive results should follow.
"I felt like when you go back and you watch the tape and he’s got protection, I thought he did a good job of throwing the football, I thought he created some things with his feet, he was accurate when he was outside the pocket," Allen continued. "So I see a lot of really good things out of that player. We have to eliminate some of the negative plays and I think if he can do that, then ... like I said, I think he’s done some good things.”
One element that could help Rattler succeed would be getting some injured players back into action, something Allen was optimistic about on Monday. The team doesn't hold an official practice until Wednesday, when they'll put out an official injury report.
Players who could potentially get back on the field after missing one or more weeks include:
- WR Chris Olave (concussion)
- TE Taysom Hill (rib)
- LG Lucas Patrick (chest)
- RG Cesar Ruiz (knee)
Center Erik McCoy is eligible to return from injured reserve as early as this week. He was present at the game on Thursday, but is likely a few more weeks away as he works back from groin surgery. QB Derek Carr is getting in throwing sessions this week, and will be monitored by the team, but it sounds as if he's at least another week away from getting back onto the field.s
Related
“I think [getting interior offensive linemen back] would help a lot," Allen said. "I think being able to solidify the interior of the offensive line ... is something that we need to do.”
The Saints also appear on the verge of bringing in help in the wide receiver room, with veteran Marquez Valdez-Scantling at the team facility Monday for a workout. Allen said the workout went well and the pair would be meeting at some point in the afternoon. WR Chris Olave is still in the concussion protocol as of Monday, while Rashid Shaheed is done for the year after undergoing meniscus surgery.
“[Valdez-Scantling has] played in our league. He’s a bigger receiver, got a good speed element to him," Allen said. "I think he’s somebody that can fit some of the things that we might be needing, particularly with the loss of Shaheed, I think is something that we would consider.”