The New Orleans Saints may have to play another game without Derek Carr, and if they do, it may be time to start Jake Haener.
In Week 7, on Thursday Night Football, rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler made the second start of his career. Unfortunately, neither game went the way Rattler wanted, with the New Orleans Saints being blown out in both games. To be fair, though, the quarterback position is far down the list of New Orleans’ issues.
Should Jake Haener starter for the Saints in Week 8?
On Friday, head coach Dennis Allen, said he’s not sure if Derek Carr will be ready for the Week 8 game against the Los Angeles Chargers, before going on to say it’s very likely the veteran quarterback will be available in Week 9 for the game against the Carolina Panthers. That means at least one more game with Rattler, or possibly Haener at quarterback.
All things considered, Rattler has had some promising play. In the two games, he completed 62.7% of his passes for 415 yards and one touchdown. He also ran the ball nine times for 61 yards. Rattler has made impressive throws, and looked really good at times throughout both games.
The problem, though, has been his struggles against pressure. Rattler has two interceptions, three fumbles, and has been sacked 11 times. Many of the sacks could’ve been avoided with better pocket movement or throwing the ball away, but no one is coming down too hard on Rattler, rightfully, because this is a part of the growing process for rookie quarterbacks.
Haener, on the other hand, has only entered the game end at the end of the blowouts. However, he showed something at the end of Thursday’s game. He led New Orleans on an 11-play, 79-yard touchdown drive, giving the team its only touchdown of the day. On the drive, Haener was 3-of-4 for 38 yards and a touchdown.
With this being the second to last drive of the game, with the contest already decided, it’s easy to discard what Haener did, and argue that Denver probably packed it in for the night. However, the Broncos were very much still playing aggressive and sending pressure.
Haener, however, hung comfortable in the pocket and got the ball out of his hands fast. By doing that, he opened up the door for him to possibly start.
RattIer may ultimately be the more talented quarterback, and could even have a brighter future than Haener in the league. However, the Saints have to look at their team and determine what kind of quarterback gives them the best chance to win right now.
With all of the injuries New Orleans is facing, as well as the inconsistent offensive line play, the Saints have to decide if Haener gives the team a better chance to win in Week 8 against the Chargers.
