The New Orleans Saints have their second preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers. Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon looked at the biggest talking point for each team in the NFL.
Gagnon looked back at Spencer Rattler’s performance against Cardinals in the preseason debut and came away with an appetite for more. He understands one game doesn’t tell the full picture, especially not a preseason game, but the intrigue is there. Here’s why he’s watching Gagnon so closely on Sunday night:
I’ve been doing this long enough to know not to overreact to action from the second half of a Week 1 preseason game, but I at least want to see more of Spencer Rattler. If the rookie fifth-round pick can keep flashing, the Saints seriously need to consider a short leash on Derek Carr in what is likely a make-or-break season.
The determining factor on if Gagnon is over-exaggerating is what does he mean by short leash. Carr is definitely entering a make-or-break season, but the decision between pass or fail will likely be made at the end of the season. If a short leash means Carr’s job is in immediate jeopardy, that’s a harder sell. Dennis Allen is loyal to Carr and will give him every opportunity.
It’s safe to say everyone wants to see more Rattler. Of all the training camp battles, there isn’t one that has delivered more than the battle at backup quarterback. Rattler and Jake Haener have been pushing each other all offseason. All signs are the battle remains close.
So before we talk about him supplanting Carr, Rattler has to tackle the challenge in front of him first. Either way, Rattler needs to continue flashing the talent that sets him apart from his competition.
