Rattler takes blame for Saints’ missed scoring chances

By Ross Jackson

METAIRIE, La. – One of the biggest talking points around New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler in the early goings of the season have been some of the missed connections between him and pass-catchers on in-breaking routes.

Going back to the Week 2 matchup with the San Francisco 49ers, a missed connection with wide receiver Chris Olave led to a missed field goal and a potential opening drive score. 

This Spencer Rattler miss to an open Chris Olave at the end of the Saints’ first drive is the one that everybody in the building would like back. pic.twitter.com/YuYu8uOczv

— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) September 15, 2025

In Week 3, the two couldn’t complete another in scoring range.

Last week against the Buffalo Bills, Rattler placed a pass that ended up being behind veteran wideout Brandin Cooks. Cooks almost made an incredible catch to reel it in, but after review, the touchdown was overturned. It was a chance for the Saints to take their first lead of the season. 

Many have shared their opinions on the matter, but on Wednesday, we went straight to the source, asking Rattler himself to chime in and provide some context around the missed opportunities. 

“I put that on me,” the quarterback said. “Just keep working the timing, keep working the footwork, the chemistry with the guys, how we’re going to run it. Depending on where we’re at on the field, we might rep it all week from the 10-yard-line and get in the game and it’s on the 17. So, the timing’s off, but you got to make it work.”

Thought Rattler really battled. Game is so much different if this hits. pic.twitter.com/cAodNSdH4B

— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) September 29, 2025

The changes in depth look to have been a part of the culprit on the two aforementioned moments. Each of those passes were thrown before the receivers came out of their breaks. Therefore, Rattler has to pick a spot to place the ball that may be different than what was practiced. Certainly a play any team’s top quarterback is expected to make, which is presumably why the second-year passer took the accountability upon himself for the off-target throws.

It will be the chemistry between him and his pass-catchers that will eventually create better results when those kinds of opportunities present themselves. As a quarterback that many believe could be facing a ticking clock, the sooner, the better in these situations. It does sound like Rattler knows exactly what needs to be done in order to improve and change the outcome of those big moments and he’s confident that improvement will come.

“Slow down your feet,” he said. “You don’t got to throw them as hard as you can, Just put it to a spot. Let them make a play. But again, game of inches. You want those. You need those and can’t miss those anymore. Won’t miss them.”