The New Orleans Saints have a decision to make this week at their most important position with Derek Carr expected to miss multiple weeks due to injury.
That choice is expected to come down to second-year pro Jake Haener -- who has served as the gameday backup so far this season -- or rookie and fan-favorite Spencer Rattler. The Cajun Cannon Bobby Hebert isn't thrilled with the Saints' outlook either way.
"Before you know it you have the three games in 10 days and you know, a 2-for-1, you’re playing Tampa Bay, then Sean Payton wants to beat the Saints organization. The Saints organization wants to beat Sean Payton," Hebert told Mike Detillier on WWL radio. "So it could go down fast, I’ll tell you what. I think, no matter who’s playing, Jake Haener or Spencer Rattler, they ain’t winning. All you all, Bobby, you Debbie Downer, you’re like Mr. Negative and all that. I’m a realist."
Listen to the full breakdown from Bobby Hebert in the player above. Can't see the embed? Click here.
Whichever direction the Saints decide to go, it's almost certain they'll try to keep that a mystery as long as they possibly can. The Saints have two opponents who will have to gameplan for a new quarterback, but neither team will mind facing a backup.
It was Haener, a 4th round pick in last year's draft, who took over for the final drive of a 26-13 loss to the Chiefs, completing 2 of 7 attempts for 17 yards while under constant duress and ultimately turning the ball over on downs. Rattler, a 5th round pick this year, has yet to throw a pass in an NFL game and has been serving as the emergency third QB on gamedays. He had some impressive performances in the preseason and would certainly have the crowd fired up to see him in action, but fan sentiment won't factor much into the decision.
"They’re not gonna [make the choice] because, oh, we like Haener better than Spencer Rattler. They can care less," Hebert continued. "They’re just trying to win and whoever’s the best guy gets the opportunity, so I’m telling you right now … if Derek Carr can’t play and Haener is in there it’s based on past performances and their evaluation. Now, I’m not saying he’ll keep the job, because you've got to produce, what have you done for me lately and all of a sudden it ain’t working out, Spencer, go in there and do something, what do you do with the opportunity."
The Saints (2-3) will host the Bucs (3-2) at noon Sunday at the Caesars Superdome before turning around for a Thursday Night Football showdown with Sean Payton's Broncos. Derek Carr is not expected to play in either game. Catch all the action on WWL and Audacy.
