New Orleans Saints Look to Rattler as Starting Quarterback Amidst Key NFL Matchup Against Denver Broncos

The New Orleans Saints are preparing for a crucial Thursday Night Football matchup against the Denver Broncos in Week 7 of the 2024 NFL season. The team is turning to rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler following veteran quarterback Derek Carr’s oblique injury, as reported in Saints Gameday Live by analysts John DeShazier and Erin Summers.

Last week, Rattler, a rookie out of South Carolina, made his NFL debut against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a game that resulted in a 51-27 loss for the Saints. Rattler completed 22 of 40 passes for 243 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. He also added 27 rushing yards on seven attempts. Reflecting on his performance, Rattler stated, “I would say, just chilling a little bit in the pocket,” noting the importance of focusing on fundamentals throughout the game.

The Saints’ offense, which is looking to recover from a four-game losing streak, gained 303 total yards against Tampa Bay, converting two of four red zone opportunities. The impending game against Denver poses significant challenges as the Saints’ offensive line is potentially missing key players. Center Erik McCoy and right guard Cesar Ruiz are out, while left guard Lucas Patrick is uncertain for Thursday.

In addition, wide receiver Chris Olave is sidelined with a concussion, and another key receiver, Rashid Shaheed, might miss the game due to a knee injury. This has raised the stakes for other players such as Bub Means and Mason Tipton to step up in the receiving corps.

The Broncos’ defense will not make the situation any easier. Denver is currently ranked fourth in the NFL for points allowed, fourth in total yards allowed, and fifth in passing yards allowed. “They’ve got talented players all over,” Rattler stated about the Broncos’ defensive prowess.

Offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak expressed satisfaction with Rattler’s debut performance, noting, “He didn’t change throughout the game,” and praised the rookie’s ability to handle game-day pressures just as he did in practices.

The Saints will need to adapt quickly as key players remain absent or limited in participation during practice this week. Among those missing significant practice time are Olave, Shaheed, and Cesar Ruiz. Linebacker Pete Werner and several other players are listed with varying injuries.

As the Saints and Broncos prepare to face off under the lights of the Caesars Superdome, the stakes are high for both teams in determining the course of their respective seasons.