Spencer Rattler “fearless” as he approaches his first NFL start

The Saints chose Jake Haener as their No. 2 quarterback through the first five games of the 2024 season, but made a different choice when they learned Derek Carr couldn’t play against the Buccaneers this week.

Fifth-round pick Spencer Rattler was named the starter for Sunday’s game and the rookie shows no nerves as he heads into his first NFL appearance. Offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak said Rattler “has a natural lightness about him, he’s comfortable in his skin” while discussing what led the team to call Rattler the man to take the field against Tampa.

Kubiak also said Rattler had “swag,” and the quarterback’s take on his approach suggests that’s an apt description.

“You have to be fearless as quarterbackRattler said via the team’s website. “I think that’s the No. 1 key to have.”

There’s a good bet that the Buccaneers’ defense isn’t terribly afraid of facing an unproven quarterback, and that the team that better backs up its confidence should pull out a win on Sunday.