Saints fans back Spencer Rattler as QB1 after rookie impresses with preseason performance: "Derek Carr is on the hotseat"

The New Orleans Saints and Spencer Rattler finished their preseason campaign with a narrow 30-27 loss at home against the Tennessee Titans. The back-and-forth affair was interesting through all four quarters, as both coaching staffs got a good look at their backup players ahead of Tuesday's roster cuts.

The Saints' coaches would be particularly impressed with the rookie quarterback's performance. The fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft completed seven of his 13 pass attempts for 105 yards and one touchdown. He also used his feet well, as he ran for 13 yards on two carries. However, his best play was his perfectly placed 21-yard touchdown pass to Equanimeous St. Brown.

Saints fans were thoroughly impressed with the rookie's strong display, with some even suggesting that he could take over as the team's starting quarterback. Here are some comments about the rookie's performance against the Titans:

Some fans confidently proclaimed that the rookie would become the team's new starting quarterback in the upcoming season and predicted how long it'd take for the Saints to make the change:

"Rattler will be starting by the end of the season" - @phlsportsguru wrote

"I’d give him 6 games before he’s starting" - @TeezoLol believes

"This dude will be starting by week 5" - @aCNZ0 predicted

"Derek Carr got 2 games before rattler takes over" - @tsloth4lyfe opined

Spencer Rattler's preseason stats

Rattler played in each of the Saints' three preseason games and performed decently. He made his debut in a Saints uniform in their preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals. He kept it clean and completed nine of his 17 pass attempts for 70 yards. He also carried the ball twice for eight yards and a touchdown.

In his second outing, against the San Francisco 49ers, he attempted only eight passes, completing four for 27 yards, and rushed for five yards on three carries in a cameo appearance. His third against the Titans was his most impressive display so far.

Overall, Rattler went 20-of-38 for 202 yards and one touchdown in the air and rushed for 26 yards and a touchdown. As impressive as the rookie has been in preseason, there's nothing to suggest that Carr's job as the Saints' starting quarterback is under scrutiny.

However, the coaching staff would be pleased with the 23-year-old's body of work so far and hope he continues improving as the year progresses.