By Niles Carpenter, Saints Contributor
Rookie QB Spencer Rattler made a strong case to become the New Orleans Saints‘ backup QB with a clutch performance in the final minute of their 16-14 preseason victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Drafted in the fifth round out of South Carolina, Rattler led a 12-play, 56-yard drive, setting up a game-winning 37-yard field goal by Charlie Smyth with just five seconds remaining. This late-game heroics highlighted Rattler’s potential and added excitement to the ongoing battle for the backup quarterback role behind Derek Carr.
Rattler’s night wasn’t without its ups and downs, as he completed 9 of 17 passes for 70 yards and added a 4-yard touchdown in the third quarter to give the Saints a temporary 13-7 lead. Fellow contender Jake Haener, a second-year player, also had a solid outing, completing 9 of 13 passes for 107 yards, including a 58-yard connection with A.T. Perry that set up a field goal. As the Saints look to solidify their quarterback depth chart, Rattler’s poised performance under pressure may have given him the edge in this pivotal competition.
Up Next: Saints: At San Francisco on Aug. 18.
