Since he named a starting quarterback, New Orleans Saints coach Kellen Moore hasn’t received one question about whether he’s considering a switch to a rookie Tyler Shough.
That’s a testament to Spencer Rattler’s play.
Through two games, Rattler has staved off any talk of a quarterback controversy in part due to his solid start to the season. He’s been quick, decisive and shown noticeable improvement — none more so than how he’s cut down on turning the ball over.
As a rookie, Rattler committed 10 turnovers — five interceptions and five lost fumbles — in seven games. This year, Rattler has played mostly clean.
“Just (have) a little bit more experience,” Rattler said. “I love how we coach. We’re very detailed on …. ‘Hey, if it’s not there, get it down because we’ve got guys like (Alvin Kamara) and other guys (who) if you dump it down at a yard, he’ll get 8. Just keeping things like that in the back of your mind and trying to reset my focus each and every play.”
There have been close calls. In New Orleans’ season opener against the Arizona Cardinals, Rattler was picked off by cornerback Will Johnson before the play was negated because of a defensive penalty. Then, in Sunday’s loss to the San Francisco 49ers, Rattler notably fumbled on fourth-and-2 on New Orleans’ final possession. But on that play, 49ers edge rusher Bryce Huff got around tackle Taliese Fuaga so quickly that Moore remarked the Saints “couldn’t even get the play started.” Cesar Ruiz also recovered the ball, which is why Rattler wasn’t credited with a turnover.
Even then, Rattler’s decision-making has been sound. Though he’s fourth in passing attempts, Pro Football Focus only charted three of his 80 passes as turnover-worth throws. That percentage of 3.1% has him near league average among qualified passers, ranked 14th.
This coming Sunday will be a greater test, however.
The Seattle Seahawks, New Orleans’ opponent, are second in the NFL with four interceptions. Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald oversees one of the league’s best units, propped up by a ferocious defensive line and a ball-hawking secondary.
But Moore said Rattler’s ability to avoid turnovers was evident throughout the offseason, adding he won’t overreact even when the quarterback throws an interception at some point.
“Eventually, it happens,” Moore said. “But what he’s done is he’s just done a great job of putting us in a really good position to be successful. He’s making really good decisions, using his feet when he does have those opportune times.
“There are a lot of positives there.”
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