By Ross Jackson
This is a game that will look a lot different at kickoff than it was expected to look when the schedule was released. The New Orleans Saints (5-8) and the Washington Commanders (8-5) are in very different places than expected as the season began.
So, with both teams having exceeded or underperformed expectations, here are five things you need to know about this matchup:
- The Saints will be starting their third quarterback of the year.
After losing starting quarterback Derek Carr early this season to an oblique injury for three games, the Saints appointed rookie passer Spencer Rattler as their starting quarterback. This week, with Carr out with a left hand injury and in concussion protocol, Rattler will serve as the No. 2 signal caller while second-year quarterback Jake Haener gets his first career start.
2. Former Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore will make his first start for the Commanders.
The Saints parted ways with Lattimore at the trade deadline this year. Since arriving in Washington, the starting cornerback has been inactive. This week, after missing his fourth game as a Commander, he will make his debut against the team that traded him away earlier this season
3. Running back Alvin Kamara could top 1,000 rushing yards on the season.
Kamara needs just 62 rushing yards to get to 1,000. It will be the first time in his career that he has reached that mark. Offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s offense has been a reawakening for the star rusher. He has already set his new career-high in rushing yards with 938 while tying the second-most rushing attempts (223) of his career. Going up against the No. 27 ranked rushing defense should give Kamara a chance to eclipse his 1,000 rushing yards mark this week.
4. Defensive lineman Tanoh Kpassagnon will make his 2024 debut.
After tearing his Achilles during offseason workouts, the versatile defensive lineman is finally set to make his 2024 debut. With the defense facing a rushing quarterback like Jayden Daniels, Kpassagnon’s return could be well-timed. He’ll likely have to knock some rust off and may be on a bit of a pitch count in his return. But he will be a welcome addition to the rotation.
5. First-time starting Day 3 quarterbacks drafted since 2017 have not seen much success.
Of the 46 quarterbacks drafted on the third day of the NFL draft since 2017, 23 have started at least one game. Haener will take the total above 50% on Sunday. Of the 23 previous passers to start their first game, only five have won.
