News Summary
The New Orleans Saints have named Spencer Rattler their starting quarterback, stepping into a challenging season after the retirement of Derek Carr. Estimates project the team may win only around 5 games, with roster concerns following the addition of players like Brandin Cooks. Despite a grim outlook, former QB Drew Brees sees potential for Rattler’s growth, hinting the NFC South division is wide open for competition. The Saints’ journey begins with their first game against the Cardinals in ten days, raising both expectations and uncertainties.
New Orleans Faces Uncertain Season with Rattler as Starting Quarterback
New Orleans is bracing for a challenging NFL season as the Saints have named Spencer Rattler as their starting quarterback. The team is navigating through a difficult period after the retirement of veteran quarterback Derek Carr and is projected to have one of the worst records in the league.
Saints insider Larry Holder has given the team a grim outlook, estimating that they will only win about 5.2 games this season, which could place them in contention for the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Oddsmakers support this view, ranking the Saints as only favored to win one game this season, specifically against the Jets in Week 16.
Roster Concerns and Struggles Ahead
The Saints’ roster has been criticized for being one of the weakest in the NFL, with significant concerns regarding both their offensive and defensive units. Rattler, who faced his own struggles last season while going 0-6 as a starter, will be leading a team that has been viewed as lacking depth and talent across the board.
Kellen Moore, the first-year head coach, has a significant challenge ahead as he aims to stabilize the team and improve their chances for success. The Saints have attempted to enhance their roster by signing wide receiver Brandin Cooks and adding depth to the offensive line through a trade for tackle Asim Richards from the Dallas Cowboys.
Preseason Competition and Player Developments
Rattler’s position as the starter was solidified after winning the preseason competition against rookie quarterback Tyler Shough. Rattler’s athleticism and ability to maneuver in the pocket will likely become a vital part of the Saints’ offensive strategy moving forward, especially alongside a healthy Alvin Kamara and a strengthened offensive line.
The team has also acquired wide receiver Trey Palmer from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and tackle Xavier Truss from the Denver Broncos to bolster their roster further. However, despite these additions, questions remain about the overall competitive ability of the Saints in their upcoming games.
Outlook and Future Projections
Despite concerns, former Saints quarterback Drew Brees has acknowledged Rattler’s potential for growth, noting that improvements made in 2024 could provide a foundation for a better showing this season. Brees has pointed out that Rattler completed 130 of 228 pass attempts, accumulating 1,317 yards with four touchdowns and five interceptions last season. Brees emphasizes that the experience gained and a more supportive offense could serve Rattler well in his starting role.
Moreover, the NFC South division appears to be wide open this year, suggesting that the Saints might have an opportunity to compete, even with their current limitations. According to analyst opinions, if Rattler can effectively manage the offense, the Saints could surprise critics and deliver unexpectedly competitive performances.
What’s Next for the Saints?
The Saints’ first game of the season against the Arizona Cardinals is just ten days away, and the team is preparing to face what many predict will be a tough road ahead. With significant roster changes and a newly appointed quarterback, the New Orleans Saints are set to embark on a season filled with uncertainty, but they could also lay the groundwork for a more promising future if they can capitalize on their potential this year.
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Additional Resources
- NOLA: Drew Brees and Spencer Rattler on Saints Quarterback Situation
- SI: Drew Brees Predicts Saints’ 2025 Season
- NY Times: NFL Quarterback Worst Situations including Saints
- New Orleans Saints: Morning Break on Future Prospects
- Matt Lombardo: Total Disaster from Quarterback Chaos
- Wikipedia: New Orleans Saints
- Google Search: 2025 NFL season predictions
- Google Scholar: New Orleans Saints 2025 roster
- Encyclopedia Britannica: American football
- Google News: New Orleans Saints quarterback 2025

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