Ups and downs from Saints vs. Commanders

The New Orleans Saints lost 20-19 in a nail bitter to the Washington Commanders. The Saints dropped to 5-9 on the year and are likely out of the playoffs barring a miracle. While the season is likely over for New Orleans, the upcoming games present a prime opportunity for players to step up and show what they can do for the team next season.

Up: Spencer Rattler

On Sunday rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler replaced Jake Haener while down 14-0 to the Commanders at the start of the second half. Rattler’s presence immediately powered a successful drive for the Saints’ offense ending in a touchdown pass from wide receiver Cedrick Wilson to running back Alvin Kamara. New Orleans would score on every drive with Rattler at quarterback including a touchdown as time expired to bring the Saints in range to tie. New Orleans would opt for a two-point try attempt instead but ultimately failed, losing 20-19. While the rookie quarterback’s stats don’t pop out on the stat sheet, finishing the day 10/21 for 135 yards and a touchdown, he put the team in a position to win and should get the start for the remainder of the season.

Up: Kendre Miller

Similarly to last week’s win against the New York Giants, second year running back Kendre Miller’s touches were limited but very impactful. Miller ran the ball nine times against Washington for 46 yards averaging 5.1 yards a carry. Miller continues to show flashes of burst and big play ability that the Saints have been looking to complement with Kamara. While the second-year back’s ability to stay healthy has been a major concern, he has earned the opportunity for more touches and to be RB2 going forward.

Down: Jake Haener

Quarterback Jake Haener’s opportunity to prove himself was short-lived after the second-year quarterback would be benched after going 4/10 passing for 49 yards and an interception. The Saints would bench Haener after going scoreless in the first half and it would prove to be the right move. The offense was night and day with Haener and Rattler at quarterback.

Haener is at his best when he’s identifying the defense and then making the quick pass, but while under the lights Haener struggled to get the ball out and was a deer in headlights when being faced with pressure. The second-year quarterback isn’t ready to operate an NFL offense and needs to continue to develop while Rattler gets the start.

Down: The Secondary

Despite getting sacked eight times Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels had a day against the Saints’ defense. Daniels ended the day going 25/31 for 226 yards and 2 touchdowns. Daniels would also add 66 yards on the ground from 11 carries. The rookie quarterback was efficient against the banged-up Saints’ secondary and continued to put pressure on the New Orleans defense. The Saints’ future at cornerback is uncertain after trading away Pro Bowler Marshon Lattimore and recent poor performances by the cornerback room have not been reassuring.

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