Saints ditch Jake Haener to reignite Spencer Rattler's career

In New Orleans, on December 15, 2024, the New Orleans Saints faced off against the Washington Commanders but suffered a disappointing defeat, ending the game at 20-19. The Saints started Jake Haener as quarterback after Derek Carr was sidelined due to a non-throwing hand injury. However, Haener's performance in the first half was far from adequate; he managed only 38 net yards of offense, the team's worst showing in a half since 2002. Haener's statistics included a meager 4 of 10 passes completed for 49 yards, alongside one interception and three sacks. This dismal first half effectively led to his benching at halftime. In a pivotal moment of the game, rookie Spencer Rattler took over as quarterback in the second half. The decision to switch quarterbacks was met with applause from the fans, indicating their eagerness for a change. Rattler quickly made an impact on the game—on his sixth offensive play, he completed a long pass to wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling for a significant 39-yard gain. This play not only revitalized the Saints' offense but also set up the team’s first touchdown. Rattler accomplished this by tossing the ball back to wide receiver Cedric Wilson Jr., who then connected with Alvin Kamara for a 21-yard touchdown reception. Rattler's effectiveness in the second half was evident as he finished the game with 135 passing yards and one touchdown. This marked a notable contrast to Haener's struggles earlier in the game. Prior to this match, Rattler had already started three games earlier in the season due to Carr's oblique strain and performed reasonably well despite facing pressure, as evidenced by being sacked 14 times. During those games, he completed nearly 60% of his passes, accumulating a total of 571 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. The decision to bench Haener and return to Rattler may have long-term implications for the Saints’ quarterback strategy, particularly if Carr’s injury persists. The overall performance against the Commanders is a stark reminder of how crucial quarterback play is to a team's success, and with this game resulting in a loss, both Haener and the Saints will need to reassess their strategies moving forward. Rattler's performance highlights the importance of being adaptable in unfavorable situations, a lesson that might prove valuable for the New Orleans Saints as they navigate their season with key injuries.