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Sports and Competition
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Sports and Competition
Source : (remove) : WVUE FOX 8 News
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Fazende: Five takes on Saints quarterback competition after preseason opener

Fazende: Five Takes on Saints Quarterback Competition After Preseason Opener

The New Orleans Saints' quarterback room has been one of the most intriguing storylines heading into the 2024 NFL season, and the preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals provided the first real glimpse into how the competition is shaping up. With Derek Carr firmly entrenched as the starter, the battle for the backup spots between second-year pro Jake Haener and rookie Spencer Rattler has taken center stage. Head coach Dennis Allen has emphasized the importance of depth at the position, especially after last season's inconsistencies. In this piece, we'll dive into five key takeaways from the game, analyzing performances, implications for the depth chart, and what it means for the Saints' overall offensive strategy as they gear up for a pivotal year in the NFC South.

First and foremost, Derek Carr's efficiency in limited action reaffirmed why he's the unquestioned QB1. Playing just one series, Carr orchestrated a crisp drive that ended in a field goal, completing all three of his passes for 41 yards. His poise under pressure was evident, particularly on a third-down conversion where he threaded the needle to Chris Olave. This brief outing was a reminder of Carr's veteran savvy and his growing chemistry with the receiving corps. After a somewhat rocky first year in New Orleans, where he dealt with injuries and offensive line issues, Carr looks sharper and more comfortable in Klint Kubiak's new scheme. The emphasis on quick releases and play-action seems tailor-made for his skill set. If this is any indication, the Saints' offense could be more explosive, provided the protection holds up. However, the real test will come in the regular season against tougher defenses, but for now, Carr's performance quells any doubts about his readiness and solidifies his role as the leader of this team.

Shifting to the backups, Jake Haener's outing was a mixed bag that highlighted both his potential and areas needing polish. The 2023 fourth-round pick from Fresno State saw extended playing time, attempting 18 passes and completing 11 for 98 yards, including a touchdown. His arm strength shone through on a beautiful deep ball to rookie Bub Means, but inconsistency plagued him with a couple of errant throws that could have been intercepted. Haener's mobility was a plus, as he scrambled for a first down and avoided sacks effectively, showing the kind of improvisational skills that could make him a valuable asset in emergency situations. Yet, his decision-making under duress raised some flags—there was a moment where he forced a pass into double coverage, resulting in an incompletion that stalled a drive. Coach Allen praised Haener's competitiveness post-game, noting that he's improved in reading defenses during training camp. Still, with only one year under his belt, Haener needs to demonstrate more consistency to lock down the No. 2 spot. His performance suggests he's ahead in experience, but the door remains open for challengers.

On the flip side, Spencer Rattler's debut injected a spark of excitement into the competition, showcasing why the Saints traded up to draft him in the fifth round out of South Carolina. The rookie gunslinger entered in the second half and immediately impressed with his arm talent, completing 9 of 16 passes for 70 yards and leading a scoring drive. Rattler's ability to extend plays with his legs was notable; he evaded pressure multiple times and even picked up a 12-yard gain on a designed run. One highlight was a perfectly placed sideline throw to A.T. Perry for a 20-yard gain, demonstrating his accuracy on intermediate routes. However, like many rookies, he had growing pains—a near-interception on an overthrown deep ball and some timing issues with the offensive line. What sets Rattler apart is his confidence; he didn't look overwhelmed in his first NFL action, which bodes well for his development. Analysts have compared his upside to that of a young Baker Mayfield, with the raw tools to potentially become a starter down the line. For now, though, Rattler's performance positions him as a strong contender for the backup role, possibly pushing Haener to elevate his game. The coaching staff will likely give him more reps in the coming preseason games to accelerate his learning curve.

Beyond individual performances, the fourth takeaway revolves around how the quarterback competition is influencing the overall offensive rhythm. The Saints' new coordinator, Kubiak, implemented a balanced attack that mixed run-pass options and screen plays effectively, regardless of who was under center. This adaptability is crucial, as it means the offense won't drop off dramatically if Carr misses time. The preseason opener saw the team convert 40% of third downs, a marked improvement from last year's struggles. Haener and Rattler both benefited from solid play-calling that played to their strengths—short passes for Haener and play-action for Rattler. This suggests the Saints are building a system that's quarterback-friendly, which could pay dividends in attracting free agents or developing young talent. However, the offensive line's penalties and occasional breakdowns exposed vulnerabilities that all QBs will need to navigate. If the line can gel, this competition could foster a deeper, more resilient unit.

Finally, looking ahead, the implications for the regular season are profound. With the NFC South wide open after the Falcons' offseason moves and the Buccaneers' uncertainties, the Saints need reliable quarterback play to contend. Carr's steady hand is the foundation, but the backup battle adds an element of insurance. If Haener edges out Rattler, it might signal a preference for experience; conversely, Rattler's flash could earn him the nod, accelerating his path to potentially challenging Carr in future years. Either way, the preseason opener was encouraging, showing depth that was lacking last season. As the Saints prepare for their next exhibition against the 49ers, expect more rotations and evaluations. The key will be how these QBs handle adversity—turnovers, blitzes, and game management—in live settings. Overall, this competition isn't just about backups; it's about building a quarterback room that can withstand the rigors of a 17-game slate and push the team toward playoff contention. Fans should be optimistic, as the talent on display hints at a brighter offensive future for the black and gold.

In wrapping up these five takes, it's clear the Saints' quarterback situation is evolving positively. From Carr's command to the promising showings by Haener and Rattler, the preseason opener provided valuable insights. As training camp progresses, the focus will be on refining mechanics, building rapport with skill players, and minimizing mistakes. The depth here could be a game-changer, turning what was once a weakness into a strength. Stay tuned for more developments as the roster takes shape.

Read the Full WVUE FOX 8 News Article at:
[ https://www.fox8live.com/2025/08/11/fazende-five-takes-saints-quarterback-competition-after-preseason-opener/ ]