Jake Haener, starting quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, was benched during the recent game against the Washington Commanders after struggling for two quarters. Despite connecting on a promising play that was negated by a penalty, Haener was replaced by Spencer Rattler, who sparked the offense in a narrow 20-19 loss. Haener expressed disappointment but praised Rattler's performance, accepting responsibility for his own struggles, which included a completion rate of just 40% and one interception. With Derek Carr’s injury status unresolved, Haener's future as a starter remains uncertain as the team evaluates its quarterback situation.

By the Numbers
  • Haener completed 4 of 10 passes for 49 yards and 1 interception.
  • Rattler led the team after coming in midway through the game, contributing to an improved offensive performance.
Yes, But

While Haener acknowledged his disappointing performance, he also noted that the team's overall quarterback struggles cannot be pinned solely on him, as the offensive dynamism shifted when Rattler took over.

State of Play
  • Interim head coach Darren Rizzi is evaluating the quarterback position amidst Carr's absence.
  • The Saints are in a tight competition, with future games dependent on the performance of both Haener and Rattler.
What's Next

Future games will determine whether Rizz's decision to start Rattler permanently will reshape the Saints’ offense and impact Haener's standing on the team.

Bottom Line

Haener's adaptability and self-critique may be critical as the Saints evaluate their quarterback depth, making upcoming performances pivotal for his career trajectory in New Orleans.