New Orleans had seen enough — Rattler’s mistakes finally outweighed his potential.
Spencer Rattler didn’t just get benched — he lost the job. After a string of costly turnovers and poor decisions, the New Orleans Saints officially moved on from their 2025 starting quarterback this week, ending Rattler’s brief and turbulent run as QB1.
The final blow came in the Saints’ 23–3 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where Rattler was pulled in the third quarter after committing his sixth turnover in two games. The low point: a tipped pass over the middle that landed in the hands of Bucs linebacker Anthony Nelson — who returned it for a touchdown.
This wasn’t a one-off performance. It was part of a pattern.
The Turnover Problem
In his last two games, Rattler turned the ball over six times — four interceptions and two lost fumbles. He’s been a turnover machine at the worst possible times: inside scoring range, on opening drives, and after the defense gets a stop. These weren’t aggressive shots gone wrong. They were poor reads, forced throws, and carelessness under pressure.
Against Tampa, the pick-six came with the Saints already trailing and desperate for a spark. Instead, the offense gave the game away. That interception, like too many of Rattler’s this season, didn’t just kill a drive — it swung the game.
Rattler’s ball control issues haven’t improved since Week 1. If anything, they’ve gotten worse. The numbers don’t lie — when your quarterback is giving it away nearly once every quarter, you’re not going to win games.
The Job Slipped Away
Head coach Kellen Moore didn’t waste time after Sunday’s loss. He pulled Rattler mid-game and by Tuesday, confirmed what had become obvious: Rattler was no longer the starter. This wasn’t just a change for the sake of change — Rattler’s poor play left the Saints no choice but to give rookie Tyler Shough a chance.
This isn’t Moore’s fault. It’s not the line’s fault. It’s not about growing pains or development curves. Rattler’s job was to protect the football, read the field, and lead scoring drives. Instead, he left points on the field and gave points to the other team.
Even his completions didn’t move the offense forward. Against Tampa, he threw 15 completions but failed to put the ball in the end zone or string together meaningful drives. And every time he crossed midfield, the threat of a turnover felt more likely than a touchdown.
A Missed Opportunity
Rattler entered the season with the chance to cement himself as the franchise’s future. He had the arm talent, the opportunity, and the reps. He got six starts in 2024, showing occasional flashes. But inconsistency followed him into this year — and in the NFL, potential doesn’t buy you time.
The Saints were patient. But there’s only so much you can take when the quarterback becomes the defense’s best weapon — for the other team.
Check Out All EasySportz NFL Content Here!
Jaguars Season Preview, A Look Back!
