In a thrilling preseason showdown, New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler made a statement, leading his team to a dramatic 16-14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. The young signal-caller, a fifth-round draft pick out of South Carolina, seized his opportunity to impress in the final moments, showcasing his potential as he battles for the backup quarterback role.
With just under two minutes remaining, Rattler orchestrated a methodical 12-play, 56-yard drive that put the Saints in position for a game-winning field goal. The rookie connected on six of his first eight passes during the drive, displaying composure well beyond his years. As the clock ticked down to five seconds, kicker Charlie Smyth drilled a 37-yard field goal, sealing the win for New Orleans.
Reflecting on his performance, Rattler noted, "The operations were smooth, no issues there. We can definitely clean up some execution, but that’s what these preseason games are for—ironing out the details. I’m just happy I got out there, played my game, and helped the team secure the win."
Rattler’s poise under pressure and ability to extend plays with his legs didn’t go unnoticed by Saints head coach Dennis Allen. "He stayed calm, made smart decisions, and used his feet to create when things broke down," Allen remarked. "It was a solid showing."
The battle for the Saints’ backup quarterback spot is heating up, with second-year player Jake Haener also turning heads. Haener, who started the game and played the majority of the first half, delivered a strong performance, completing 9 of 13 passes for 107 yards. His highlight came late in the second quarter when he launched a perfectly placed 58-yard pass to A.T. Perry, setting up a field goal that gave the Saints a 6-0 lead at halftime.
Meanwhile, Arizona’s quarterback situation remains unsettled, with Desmond Ridder and Clayton Tune both vying for the backup role behind Kyler Murray. Ridder, who joined the Cardinals in an offseason trade, struggled to find his rhythm, completing just 4 of 9 passes for 43 yards. Tune, however, showed flashes of promise in the second half, leading a 70-yard drive that culminated in an 11-yard touchdown run by Michael Carter.
While the Saints gave their starters limited playing time, the few glimpses of New Orleans' first team were enough to get fans excited for the regular season. Quarterback Derek Carr played briefly, going 2 of 6 for 12 yards, while star running back Alvin Kamara carried the ball twice for three yards.
On the Cardinals’ side, No. 4 overall pick Marvin Harrison Jr. saw limited action, playing just one series without recording a catch. Arizona head coach Jonathan Gannon expressed his desire to use the preseason to evaluate his depth, particularly at quarterback.
In a game that saw both teams working out the kinks, it was Rattler’s late-game heroics that stood out, leaving Saints fans eager to see more from the promising rookie as the preseason continues.
Comentários