Spencer Rattler looks like an NFL starting QB in 2nd preseason performance

Former South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler looked to be in prime form during his second NFL preseason game of the year.
Spencer Rattler, Jacksonville Jaguars v New Orleans Saints - NFL Preseason 2025
Spencer Rattler, Jacksonville Jaguars v New Orleans Saints - NFL Preseason 2025 | Sean Gardner/GettyImages

Spencer Rattle is flying toward his second season with the New Orleans Saints, and after appearing in just seven games last season, the former Gamecock is looking primed to take over the role as the starting quarterback.

In the Saints' second preseason game of the year, Rattler had a show-stopping performance, completing 75 percent of his pass attempts for 199 passing yards.

Rattler also scored the game-tying touchdown and successfully pulled off a two-point conversion. The game ended in a 17-to-17 tie between the Saints and the Jacksonville Jaguars, but all signs pointed toward monumental growth for Rattler.

Last year, Rattler was one of three quarterbacks to hold the reins of the offense in New Orleans, alongside veteran QB Derek Carr and fellow backup Jake Haener. Rattler's rookie season left a lot to be desired from the fifth-round draft pick.

Spencer Rattler NFL rookie season stats

  • 130 completions on 228 attempts (57 percent)
  • 1,317 passing yards
  • 4 passing touchdowns
  • 5 interceptions
  • 18 carries
  • 146 rushing yards
  • 1 fumble

More interceptions than total touchdowns, a fumble, and barely over 1,300 passing yards. To put it lightly, Rattler was far from good during his first season in the league. Carr more nearly doubled his passing yards, tripled his touchdown count, and quite simply, outplayed the rookie.

Now, Carr is off the roster, and Rattler is poised to step into the starting role, still supported by backup quarterback Jake Haener and now supported by rookie QB Tyler Shough.

Rattler and the Saints have one final preseason game against the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 23 at 1 p.m. ET. New Orleans' regular season kicks off on Sunday, Sept. 7, with a game against the Arizona Cardinals.