Will Derek Carr Continue to Be the Starter for the Saints, or Is It Spencer Rattler Time?
As the New Orleans Saints navigate the early stages of the 2024-25 NFL season, the team's quarterback situation is drawing increased scrutiny. Derek Carr, signed in the 2023 offseason to a four-year, $150 million deal, is entering his second season with the team. However, the emergence of rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler has some fans wondering whether the Saints should consider making a change under center.
The Offseason: A New Direction
The 2024 offseason was a period of significant change for the Saints, marked by the hiring of Klint Kubiak as offensive coordinator. Kubiak, known for his work with young quarterbacks and a balanced offensive approach, was brought in to revamp a unit that struggled with consistency last season. The Saints finished 19th in total offense in 2023, and head coach Dennis Allen has made it clear that improvements are necessary if the team hopes to return to playoff contention.
Central to these changes is the quarterback position. Derek Carr was expected to stabilize the Saints' offense. However, his performance last season left much to be desired. Carr finished the year with 3,769 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions, resulting in a passer rating of 86.8. While those numbers are respectable, they were not enough to elevate the Saints to the playoffs.
The Preseason Opener: Carr vs. Rattler
The Saints’ first preseason game of the season provided an early glimpse into the quarterback competition. Derek Carr started the game and played the first two series, completing 7 of 11 passes for 62 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions against the Arizona Cardinals. While Carr looked comfortable in Kubiak’s system, operating primarily out of play-action and quick reads, the offense stalled in the red zone, settling for a field goal on one drive and turning the ball over on downs on another.
Spencer Rattler, the highly touted rookie from South Carolina, entered the game in the second quarter and immediately sparked the offense. Rattler completed 9 of 14 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown, leading the Saints on two scoring drives. His mobility and ability to extend plays were on full display, contrasting Carr’s more traditional pocket-passing style. Rattler’s lone touchdown pass, a 20-yard strike to wide receiver Chris Olave, showcased his arm strength and accuracy, raising questions about whether he might be a better fit for the new offense.
Statistically, Rattler outperformed Carr in the preseason opener, but it’s important to note that Carr was facing the Texans' starting defense, while Rattler played mostly against backups. Despite the different contexts, Rattler’s ability to push the ball downfield and his composure in the pocket stood out, leading to increased speculation about whether he could push Carr for the starting job sooner rather than later.
Coaching Perspective
Head coach Dennis Allen has been non-committal about making a change at quarterback, repeatedly expressing confidence in Carr while acknowledging the team’s need for better execution this upcoming season. However, Allen is also aware of the pressure to win in a city that has grown accustomed to playoff football.
The Saints’ regular season schedule will be anything but easy, with key divisional matchups against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons looming. If Carr’s performance doesn't improve, the calls for Rattler could grow louder. Allen's decision will ultimately come down to a balance between short-term results and long-term development.
The Road Ahead
As the Saints continue through the preseason, the decision of who will start at quarterback looms large. Derek Carr’s experience and leadership are valuable, but his performance in Kubiak’s system will be closely scrutinized. If Carr can adapt and show improvement, he is likely to retain the starting job. However, if Rattler continues to impress and the offense stalls under Carr, the rookie could find himself under center sooner than expected.
