Rattler’s improvements against the blitz may be tested vs. Bucccaneers

By Ross Jackson

The phrase “development” has been thrown around a lot lately in reference to the New Orleans Saints. Team general manager Mickey Loomis used the phrase when discussing the state of the team with WWL Radio early in the week leading up to the Sunday divisional matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

Loomis said they didn’t expect to be 1-6 but recognized in a lot of ways that this would be a development year. He said “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.”

— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) October 22, 2025

One of the most important developmental processes the Saints have embarked upon this year is at quarterback. In an attempt to find out if they have a long-term passer in the building, starting passer Spencer Rattler and rookie backup Tyler Shough have each been trying to show the team their progress. 

While Shough has impressed behind the scenes while running the scout team in practice, Rattler has been able to put up raw stats in games. 

One of the places that Rattler has shown the most growth from his rookie season has been against the blitz. 

In his seven game appearances last year, Rattler struggled against defenses when they sent extra rushers. 

2024 Against the Blitz

Last year, the Saints’ quarterback completed just 56.1% of his passing attempts against the blitz, throwing two passing touchdowns and an interception with a 77.1 passer rating. 

2025 Against the Blitz

In his seven starts in 2025, Rattler has completed 67.7% of his passes against the blitz for two touchdowns passes and an interception and a 93.0 passer rating. 

Rattler has also seen his yards per attempt leap from 6.1 to 7.4 in this area and raised his offensive Pro Football Focus grade from 48.4 to 90.3 when facing the blitz. 

These improvements are sure to be put to the test against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this weekend. Head coach Todd Bowles pioneers an aggressive defense that has blitz at the No. 6 highest rate in the league so far. He pressured Rattler by blitzing more than 40% of snaps last year in their Week 18 matchup. 

This is an area where Rattler has shown clear development. And he’ll have a chance to showcase that against an attacking and aggressive defense this weekend. If his progress slips at all, Bowles is sure to take advantage and expose any cracks in the foundation.