Rookie Spencer Rattler shines in relief for Saints after Jake Haener struggles early

By GUERRY SMITH The Associated Press
New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler (18) throws a pass in the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders in New Orleans, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Butch Dill]

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi says rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler looked like he belonged in the NFL while leading four second-half scoring drives and nearly rallying New Orleans back from a 17-0 hole against Washington. Rattler relieved Jake Haener to start the second half and his 1-yard touchdown pass to Foster Moreau with no time left gave the Saints a chance to win. Rizzi went for 2 and the victory, but well-covered tight end Juwan Johnson could not hold on to a hard pass in the corner of the end zone. Haener and Rattler replaced injured starting QB Derek Carr.

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