Saints dramatic comeback falls short, 20-19

By Ross Jackson

NEW ORLEANS —In what started off being a stinker of a game turned into one of the most entertaining displays of the New Orleans Saints season so far. After making the decision to start second-year quarterback Jake Haener, the Saints ended up making the switch back to rookie passer Spencer Rattler at halftime. 

Rattler came in and led four consecutive scoring drives and was one two-point conversion attempt from a massive upset against the Washington Commanders. 

This is sure to create conversation about the team’s decision to start Haener over Rattler. But making the gutsy call to make the shift, which interim head coach Darren Rizzi said was indeed based on the lack of production in a scoreless first half, changed the game.

“I just felt like and the offensive coaches felt like we just needed a spark in the second half,” Rizzi said. “And that’s why we made that decision.”

The decision to go for two was not premeditated, but it was the right decision by Rizzi and the Saints. The call was supported across the coaching staff and roster. Even though they didn’t walk away with a win, New Orleans walked away with some valuable information about the young players on their roster. 

Those lessons were headlined by Rattler who looked excellent coming in to make the game far more competitive. 

The Stats

• Defensive end Cam Jordan had two sacks against the Commanders. Sunday was his first multi-sack game since Week 16 of the 2022 season. 
• Kendre Miller rushed for 46 yards, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. His efficiency was integral in the team’s final drive. 
• Marquez Valdez-Scantling totaled 64 receiving yards on two catches. 
• New Orleans went from scoring 0 points in the first half, to 19 in the second. 
• The Saints defense allowed just six points in the second half. 

The Plays

• After all the hullabaloo about quarterbacks, it was Saints wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. that threw the team’s first touchdown pass of the day, a 21-yard double-pass to Kamara who reeled in an impressive one-handed catch at the front corner of the end zone.
• Rattler led a thrilling two-minute touchdown drive capped off with a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Foster Moreau. 

The Injuries

• Kamara was checked out for a groin injury in the second half of the game and was ruled questionable with eight minutes to go in the fourth quarter.
• Valdes-Scantling took a big hit over the middle of the field and remained down for a short while. He was evaluated in the injury tent before heading to the locker room without his helmet. He would eventually return to the game. 
• Rookie cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry was taken to the injury tent in the fourth quarter after making a tackle. He did not return to the game with a stinger.