Spencer Rattler Excites Saints Fans Despite 2 INTs in Loss to Bucs in NFL Debut

While it wasn't a perfect NFL debut for Spencer Rattler, the rookie quarterback still showed potential during the New Orleans Saints' 51-27 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.

The fifth-round pick in the 2024 draft was filling in for Derek Carr, who missed the game due to an oblique injury.

It was a tale of two halves for Rattler, who started off strong with a 27-yard completion to Juwan Johnson on his first pass attempt of the day.

After facing an early 17-0 deficit, the rookie signal-caller helped New Orleans score 27 points in the second quarter and enter halftime with a three-point lead.

Through two quarters, Rattler went 11-of-17 for 140 yards and a touchdown.

He wasn't able to keep the momentum going in the second half, as he was picked off twice. Rattler finished the game with 243 pass yards and 27 rush yards while getting sacked five times.

It's also worth noting that the Saints didn't have their top wide receiver on the field for most of Rattler's debut, as Chris Olave left the game in the first quarter with a concussion.

Despite the turnovers, fans were encouraged by the performance from the former Oklahoma and South Carolina passer.

New Orleans' defense struggled mightily against Tampa Bay, allowing the Buccaneers to rack up 594 total offensive yards.

With Carr reportedly set to miss three to four weeks due to his oblique issue, Rattler will be back under center next week against the Denver Broncos.