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Spencer Rattler benched: Social media reacts to rough outing from former SC star
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Spencer Rattler and the New Orleans Saints were in Los Angeles to take on the Chargers in NFL Week 8. Unfortunately for Rattler, things did not go well.
In the 3rd quarter, with the Saints trailing 16-5, Rattler was benched for Jake Haener. At the time of his benching, Rattler had completed 12 of 24 passes for 155 yards.
Jake Haener has replaced Spencer Rattler as QB for the Saints against the Chargers pic.twitter.com/vvkPlcZpDZ
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 27, 2024
Haener came in and led the Saints to a field goal to cut the lead to 16-8.
This was Rattler’s 3rd start in the NFL. The former South Carolina passer was thrust into starting duty after Derek Carr suffered an oblique injury in Week 5 against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Since taking over for Carr, Rattler has struggled. Heading into Week 8, Rattler had completed 47 of 75 passes for 415 yards with 1 TD and 2 INTs in 2 games. The Saints have had bad injury luck in general, with receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed also missing time.
Fans had a field day with Rattler’s latest performance, and it’s a rough stretch for the former Gamecock, to say the least. Here’s how social media weighed in:
I hate all the people who wanted the Spencer Rattler experience too. Y’all know who you are. This is horrific
— Ralph Malbrough (@SaintsForecast) October 27, 2024
I’ve officially changed my mind about Spencer Rattler being the future QB of the Saints. Absolutely useless. Time to tank the season and go get an actual QB that is worth a damn
— Scott Berry (@ScottRBerry0722) October 27, 2024
Hate to be that guy, but Spencer Rattler ain’t as good as saints fans thought he was gonna be
— Shawn Rascon⚜️ (@_CGS88_) October 27, 2024
Bruh Jake Haener CANNOT be as bad as Spencer Rattler…..
— Chris (@CassellCaptain) October 27, 2024
How is Spencer Rattler playing over Jake Haener
— Sosa Kremenjas (@QBsMVP) October 27, 2024
#Saints keep saying that the playbook is wide open for rookie QB Spencer Rattler, but it’s hard to see that.
— Ross Jackson (@RossJacksonNOLA) October 27, 2024
Spencer Rattler’s hype… https://t.co/FVQmpoiizv pic.twitter.com/W99hOJFBai
— #2025 (@WinTheSBorGTFOH) October 27, 2024
While Rattler’s pro career hasn’t gotten off to the best start, there’s still reason for optimism. The QB was the nation’s No. 1 QB prospect coming out of high school and originally committed to play at Oklahoma. After 23 games with the Sooners, Rattler transferred to South Carolina ahead of the 2022 season.
With the Gamecocks, Rattler threw for 6,212 yards with 37 TDs and 20 INTs. The QB led South Carolina to an 8-5 record in 2022 and the team finished in the AP Poll for the 1st time since 2013.
Rattler was selected by the Saints in the 5th round of the 2024 NFL Draft. As the Saints continue to struggle, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Rattler get another chance before the season is over.
Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Down South. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.
