The New Orleans Saints are currently navigating a challenging season, marked by a 1-6 record, as team general manager Mickey Loomis has acknowledged. In a recent conversation with WWL Radio, Loomis referred to this year as largely a development phase for the team, a sentiment that resonates with both fans and analysts alike. He noted, “There’s been a lot of good things, but it’s hard to look past the results, especially if you’re a fan of the Saints.”
A key focus for the Saints during this developmental year has been the quarterback position, where both starting quarterback Spencer Rattler and rookie backup Tyler Shough are striving to demonstrate their potential for the future. While Shough has made a notable impression during practices, Rattler’s performance in actual games has drawn attention, particularly regarding his handling of defensive blitzes.
Rattler has shown significant progress from his rookie season, especially when facing extra pressure from opposing defenses. In 2024, he completed only 56.1% of his passes under pressure, resulting in two touchdowns and an interception, along with a passer rating of 77.1. However, so far in 2025, his numbers have improved dramatically. This season, Rattler has completed 67.7% of his passes against blitzes, maintaining a similar touchdown-to-interception ratio while boosting his passer rating to 93.0. Furthermore, his yards per attempt have increased from 6.1 to 7.4, and his Pro Football Focus grade has soared from 48.4 to an impressive 90.3.
These improvements in Rattler’s game will be put to the test this weekend against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are known for their aggressive defensive strategy. Head coach Todd Bowles has orchestrated a defense that ranks sixth in the league for blitzing frequency, having pressured Rattler significantly in their previous encounter last season.
As Rattler prepares to face this formidable defense, his ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial for the Saints. The ongoing development of their young quarterback not only reflects the team’s efforts to build for the future, but it also provides hope for fans looking for signs of progress amidst a difficult year. The matchup against Tampa Bay will serve as a critical opportunity for Rattler to further prove his mettle and contribute to the Saints’ potential turnaround.