FULL INTERVIEW: Saints rookie QB Spencer Rattler ready to make first career start vs. Buccaneers
FULL INTERVIEW: Saints rookie QB Spencer Rattler ready to make first career start vs. Buccaneers
Updated: 11:20 PM CDT Oct 11, 2024
Just how excited are you for? Very excited. You know, it’s something you work, work toward your whole life, you know, as *** kid, uh Very fortunate to, to be in this position. You know, I like, like I said earlier, it sucks that Derek got hurt, you know, our leader of our team, uh one of the best dudes in the building. Um but, you know, have *** job to do, gotta go out there and execute at *** high level. How did you react to the news? Um It was exciting, you know, uh found out Tuesday morning. Um It was exciting, you know, they have confidence I, I in me but, you know, I, I love our group, you know, we got so many talented dudes that, that I can lean on and uh don’t have to do too much and just facilitate the ball to them. What was the message from D *** to you about starting? Yeah, you know, II I spoke to Clyn about it. Um You know, Glenn said, hey, let’s have *** great week. Let’s prepare at *** high level, put *** great plan together and uh you know, it was brief and short and we got to work. So that, that, that was good. Spencer and Dennis. Dennis said you have always had *** no flinch mentality. I know *** lot of people have described that in you. Is that something you picked up along the way or you’ve had that since I feel? Yeah, I feel like that’s something, you know, I’ve had since I was *** kid. You know, I think just playing multiple sports coming up always being *** super competitive in whatever I did, you know, going to middle school in pe playing dodgeball, kickball, I mean, just being ultracompetitive and then, you know, being able to go through success and adversity at the college level, you know, I think that um develops that no French mentality, I guess you could say. But, um, you know, you got to be fearless as *** quarterback and um I think that’s the number one key, you gotta have you. Yeah, man. Yeah. No, I was um so yeah, you started as *** freshman in college and then you go to, you know, started in South Carolina. Obviously, I know, um you know, picking up new things first starts in different situations have always been pretty comfortable for you as far as, um, you know, you’re gonna be anxious, little, definitely excited. Um You know, I gotta get those nerves out but, you know, that’s just the nature of the beast. You know, you gotta go out there and play, you know, fall back on your preparation, you know, we’ve had *** great week so far. I got another, you know, 24 48 hours to clean it up. So, um, I’m excited for the opportunity to go out there with the guys. How good *** grasp do you have in this office? Has there been any shaving back for you or do you feel like you have *** pretty good grasp of everything? Yeah. Feel very confident about the plan. Um, you know, something I love about Clint and our offensive staff is, you know, we tailor to, to who’s plan. Um, so, you know, I like that *** lot. I feel confident about it and, uh, we’ve had *** great week so far. Mhm. Yeah. Um, um, *** ton, I mean, I, I think I was talking to Nick the other day, you know, just about, um, going against the, the ones every day on scout team. I know I’m not getting hit or, or this and that, but those, those are full speed reps and, you know, took total advantage of them cause, you know, that’s one of the best defenses in the league and, you know, um, that’s gonna prepare you for whenever you have your shot for then. Um, great question, you know, I think, you know, obviously you gotta take another step at this level. You know, it’s gonna be *** lot harder. It’s gonna be ***, *** big challenge for us. On Sunday. It’s ***, it’s *** great defense, great team, great coaches. So, um, football is football, you know, you gotta go out there and, and, and trust in your training, um, trust in your playmakers and, uh, go out there and just play, cut it loose. Talk *** little bit about the anxiousness and those other situations where you’ve had your first start in *** new situation. What is it? That sort of clicks in *** game that makes you kind of settling? What’s that moment? I think just, you know, getting the ball out of your hand, getting *** few completions early, you know, taking *** hit or two, you know, get, get, get your juices flowing. Um I think, you know, that helps *** lot but, you know, as the game goes on, you get more calm and you gotta be cool, calm and collected in the pocket as *** quarterback specifically and the leader has this week felt different for you. I mean, I know guys see all the time the guys are looking at you now as the starting quarterback, you go into the week knowing that the start. Yeah, it’s been different for sure, you know, uh *** lot more on my plate. Um but it’s been awesome, you know, taking full advantage of it preparing at even *** higher level, you know, um really dialing in on all the little details, you know. Uh that’s been the big thing for me this week. You know, watching more tape, studying more, more film and, uh, just being around the guys more, getting extra reps and, you know, you get *** ton more reps in practice. So, um, I think that helps *** lot with, with live reps and then, you know, getting your mental reps on the side as well as far as the baker talk as we, I guess you’re on *** cruise ship with somebody. You remember sitting in the room and blinking too. What do you remember? How special is it your first game? You know? Yeah, I think it’s pretty cool, you know, I remember, I remember it was like, it, like it was yesterday, you know, me and my dad were, uh, sitting down and, yeah, Baker was pretty much recruiting me to come to Oklahoma and, um, so I was 18 years old at the time talking to him. You know, I’ve always been *** fan of bake, you know, respected b and how he worked and how he’s overcame adversity himself. Um, so respect the heck out of the guy and, uh, you know, excited to be on the same field, not going against him but going against his team. I think it’s pretty special. Um, you know, I did, I, I wasn’t at school with him but I, you know, I sat down with him, talked with him *** few times, you know, I always respected him though. Spencer, obviously the same offensive line has got some backups in *** lot of places. Uh and, and, and pressure was an issue in this last game, your experience with that situation last year and how, I mean, how, how can that help you like knowing that sometimes you got to be the clock up or whatever. Um Yeah, you know, we’re confident in those boys up front, you know, they grind harder than any of us um in the facility every single day. Um We got *** great protection plan, great pressure plan. You know, this defense is gonna be throwing *** lot at us. Um So you gotta trust in them. I think that’s the, that’s the main thing. You gotta trust in them, you gotta trust that pocket and when stuff does break down because it will, you know, every old line’s gonna break down here and there, but you gotta be able to create extend and just find your playmakers. There have been *** ton of people reaching out this week. Is Archie Manning reached out. Yep. He, uh, he reached out *** few days ago. Um, you know, just said he’s, he’s rooting for me. Uh, he’s, he’s been *** awesome resource to have out here, you know, uh, you know, we’ll text back and forth here *** little bit, but he’s awesome that, that your pocket feels kind of something that can’t be taught. Is that just something that you’ve always had or is that something you kind of develop over time? Like, where’s that kind of come from? Yeah, I think it just comes from playing the position since, since you were *** kid, you know, uh you know, obviously just being able to have that feel, you know, um You can definitely coach coach *** lot of it, but, you know, *** lot of it’s natural but sometimes you just gotta create that extra millisecond to get that ball out and, you know, I always felt like I can do that pretty good. Um And just want to continue to get better at that. I don’t know how much time you get with those with these guys usually. But how do you feel so far about your connection with guys like Chris Olave and Rich? Feel good, you know, obviously got reps with them in training camp, which was good to have some familiarity with them. Um But no reps with them really this season so far. So this week has been big, you know, been targeting everybody *** lot trying to spread the ball around. Um So I think just trying to create that connection um in *** short week, you know, is *** challenge, but it’s *** fun challenge. Have you been able to get *** sense of how excited the fans are? Yeah. You know, I, I just try to focus on what we got going on in here, you know what I mean? Uh Try to keep my mind just thinking about the game thinking about how we’re gonna do, how we’re gonna execute. You know, obviously got *** big challenge on Sunday. Um, but, you know, I know it’s gonna be *** great atmosphere happy we’re at home and, uh, you know, obviously want to come out with *** win. Um I try not to pay attention to that, you know what I mean? I got *** lot, got *** lot of other stuff we got to worry about in the building, looking forward to this moment since you were *** kid. So, what was the reaction? Quarterback coach? Yeah, man, it was special, you know. Um, *** lot of people reaching out *** lot of former coaches, obviously, you know, mom pops sister, you know, girlfriend, everybody, um, you know, very excited, you know, something we’ve been working for toward, you know, toward *** long time. So I wanna go out there and play well and, and, and help my team win and, uh, it’s gonna be fun for the game on Sunday. Yeah. Yeah. Was there anyone that you heard from you? Uh I can’t think off the top of my head. I got *** ton of text. I gotta get back to it. Do you take anything from like the rest of this rookie class quarterback who played pretty well so far? Yeah. Yeah, there’s *** few guys that have played pretty well. Um, you know, II I enjoyed to, to watch as much as I can, you know, just to see how, how they perform, you know, under circum certain circumstances and see what they do. Um, so, yeah, I mean, there’s definitely *** few guys that have played well and, you know, I obviously want to be one of those guys as well, so that’s the plan. Yeah, I watched, you know, uh, Bo play them, uh, Jaden, play them, you know, two guys. I’m very familiar with, came up with, uh, I thought they both did *** good job against them. Um You know, on tape, obviously they threw *** lot, both *** lot at both of them. Both rookie quarterbacks, I expect the same. Um So just gotta be ready, gotta be prepared and we will. How excited are you about the potential downfield dynamic with Rasheed Shaheed and all he’s done so far this season. Yeah, it’s been exciting to watch him, man. Uh special talent him *** lave, you know, tipped and can get down the field. We got *** lot of guys that can run as, you know, so, uh you know, if they’re there, I gotta trust them, put it out in front of them and let them just go get it. Yeah, man, he’s, he’s been great. I mean, he’s any, he said, hey, look, anything you need, I’m here and, and that’s the, you know, most solid dude I’ve been around, you know what I mean? Just people, person, great character, you know, that speaks volumes of, of who he is. So, I mean, just giving, giving you *** little information about what to expect, you know, be nice and calm, cool and, and just go cut it loose, you know, Derek’s been awesome and, uh, you know, couldn’t ask for *** better leader in that room.
FULL INTERVIEW: Saints rookie QB Spencer Rattler ready to make first career start vs. Buccaneers
FULL INTERVIEW: Saints rookie QB Spencer Rattler ready to make first career start vs. Buccaneers
Updated: 11:20 PM CDT Oct 11, 2024
Tampa Bay (3-2) at New Orleans (2-3)Sunday, 1 p.m. EDT, FoxBetMGM NFL Odds: Buccaneers by 3 1/2. Against the spread: Buccaneers 3-2, Saints 2-2-1.Series record: Saints lead 41-24.Last meeting: Saints beat Buccaneers 23-13 on Dec. 31, 2023, in Tampa Bay.Last week: Buccaneers lost to Falcons 36-30, OT; Saints lost to Chiefs 26-13.Buccaneers offense: overall (19), rush (20), pass (T15), scoring (9). Buccaneers defense: overall (30), rush (16), pass (28), scoring (T17).Saints offense: overall (T17), rush (10, pass (21), scoring (T4).Saints defense: overall (23), rush (7), pass (26), scoring (8).Turnover differential: Buccaneers plus-2, Saints plus-3.AdvertisementBuccaneers player to watchWhile WR Mike Evans is on the verge of becoming the 11th player in NFL history with 100 or more touchdown receptions in a career, fellow WR Chris Godwin has enjoyed a lot of success against the Saints. In 14 games vs. New Orleans, Godwin has averaged 13.9 yards per catch on 68 receptions. He’s scored seven TDs, and 45 of those 68 receptions have been for first downs.Saints player to watchVersatile running back Alvin Kamara has 602 yards and six TDs from scrimmage in five games this season.Key matchupBucs receiver Mike Evans against Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore. This matchup has been a centerpiece of numerous games between these NFC South foes since Lattimore was drafted in 2017 and sometimes has resulted in scuffles, ejections and fines.Key injuriesThe Bucs are monitoring the progress of three starters — DL Calijah Kancey (calf), RT Luke Goedeke (concussion) and S Antoine Winfield Jr. (foot) — who have missed significant playing time. Kancey has yet to play this season but was expected to start Sunday after practicing all week. Goedeke also practiced and was questionable after being inactive the past four games. Winfield, injured during the closing minutes of the season opener, was limited in practice and was listed as questionable. C Graham Barton (hamstring) is out. … QB Derek Carr (oblique) was ruled out early in the week and will be replaced by rookie Spencer Rattler. … TE Taysom Hill (ribs), RG Cesar Ruiz (knee), G Lucas Patrick (chest), S Will Harris (hamstring) and LB Pete Werner (hamstring) all missed multiple practices this week. Series notes The Bucs have won three of the past four meetings. The Saints are 21-11 at home against Tampa Bay. The margin of victory has been seven points or fewer in 34 meetings.Stats and stuffThe Bucs have won three straight NFC South titles coming on the heels of the Saints winning four in a row. Tampa Bay has held at least a share of first place in the division for 48 of the past 56 regular-season weeks going back to Week 4 of the 2021 season. … QB Baker Mayfield’s passer rating of 112.2 ranks third in the NFL. He’s tied with Sam Darnold for second with 11 TD passes (one behind Joe Burrow) and 10th in passing yards with 1,164. … Mayfield is coming off throwing for 180 yards and three TDs without an interception in last week’s loss at Atlanta. … In two games against the Saints last year, Mayfield passed for 555 yards and five TDs. … Evans, who has 99 TD catches, is tied for the league lead with five this season. He had two last week, his 22nd game with two or more TD receptions. Only six players — Jerry Rice (44), Randy Moss (36), Terrell Owens (32) Cris Carter (29), Marvin Harrison (29) and Davante Adams (23) — have done it more times. … Rookie Bucky Irving is Tampa Bay’s leading rusher with 247 yards and one TD. … DL Logan Hall has a team-leading three sacks, matching his total for the past two seasons combined. … Kamara is tied for second in the NFL with 602 scrimmage yards this season and leads all running backs with 23 catches this season. … WR Chris Olave had just two catches for 10 yards last week, his only game in the past four with fewer than 80 yards receiving. … WR Rashid Shaheed led New Orleans with 86 yards receiving last week, including a 43-yard TD catch, his third this season of at least that length. … DE Chase Young had his 18th career sack last week. … DT Bryan Bresee has four sacks in his past four games. … DT Khalen Saunders made his first career interception last week. … CB Alontae Taylor had two tackles for loss and his second forced fumble of the season last week. He is the only player with at least four tackles for loss and four passes defensed this season.Fantasy tipEvans hasn’t always performed poorly against Lattimore, but has been shut down in that matchup several times in the past. If there was ever a week to sit Evans in favor of another receiver, this could be it. Meanwhile, if there’s a chance to pick up Bucs kicker Chase McLaughlin, take it. The Saints’ defense has the best red zone percentage in the league, allowing touchdowns on just 25% of opponent trips inside the 20, often forcing field goals in the process.
NEW ORLEANS —
Tampa Bay (3-2) at New Orleans (2-3)
Sunday, 1 p.m. EDT, Fox
BetMGM NFL Odds: Buccaneers by 3 1/2.
Against the spread: Buccaneers 3-2, Saints 2-2-1.
Series record: Saints lead 41-24.
Last meeting: Saints beat Buccaneers 23-13 on Dec. 31, 2023, in Tampa Bay.
Last week: Buccaneers lost to Falcons 36-30, OT; Saints lost to Chiefs 26-13.
Buccaneers offense: overall (19), rush (20), pass (T15), scoring (9).
Buccaneers defense: overall (30), rush (16), pass (28), scoring (T17).
Saints offense: overall (T17), rush (10, pass (21), scoring (T4).
Saints defense: overall (23), rush (7), pass (26), scoring (8).
Turnover differential: Buccaneers plus-2, Saints plus-3.
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Buccaneers player to watch
While WR Mike Evans is on the verge of becoming the 11th player in NFL history with 100 or more touchdown receptions in a career, fellow WR Chris Godwin has enjoyed a lot of success against the Saints. In 14 games vs. New Orleans, Godwin has averaged 13.9 yards per catch on 68 receptions. He’s scored seven TDs, and 45 of those 68 receptions have been for first downs.
Saints player to watch
Versatile running back Alvin Kamara has 602 yards and six TDs from scrimmage in five games this season.
Key matchup
Bucs receiver Mike Evans against Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore. This matchup has been a centerpiece of numerous games between these NFC South foes since Lattimore was drafted in 2017 and sometimes has resulted in scuffles, ejections and fines.
Key injuries
The Bucs are monitoring the progress of three starters — DL Calijah Kancey (calf), RT Luke Goedeke (concussion) and S Antoine Winfield Jr. (foot) — who have missed significant playing time. Kancey has yet to play this season but was expected to start Sunday after practicing all week. Goedeke also practiced and was questionable after being inactive the past four games. Winfield, injured during the closing minutes of the season opener, was limited in practice and was listed as questionable. C Graham Barton (hamstring) is out. … QB Derek Carr (oblique) was ruled out early in the week and will be replaced by rookie Spencer Rattler. … TE Taysom Hill (ribs), RG Cesar Ruiz (knee), G Lucas Patrick (chest), S Will Harris (hamstring) and LB Pete Werner (hamstring) all missed multiple practices this week.
Series notes
The Bucs have won three of the past four meetings. The Saints are 21-11 at home against Tampa Bay. The margin of victory has been seven points or fewer in 34 meetings.
Stats and stuff
The Bucs have won three straight NFC South titles coming on the heels of the Saints winning four in a row. Tampa Bay has held at least a share of first place in the division for 48 of the past 56 regular-season weeks going back to Week 4 of the 2021 season. … QB Baker Mayfield’s passer rating of 112.2 ranks third in the NFL. He’s tied with Sam Darnold for second with 11 TD passes (one behind Joe Burrow) and 10th in passing yards with 1,164. … Mayfield is coming off throwing for 180 yards and three TDs without an interception in last week’s loss at Atlanta. … In two games against the Saints last year, Mayfield passed for 555 yards and five TDs. … Evans, who has 99 TD catches, is tied for the league lead with five this season. He had two last week, his 22nd game with two or more TD receptions. Only six players — Jerry Rice (44), Randy Moss (36), Terrell Owens (32) Cris Carter (29), Marvin Harrison (29) and Davante Adams (23) — have done it more times. … Rookie Bucky Irving is Tampa Bay’s leading rusher with 247 yards and one TD. … DL Logan Hall has a team-leading three sacks, matching his total for the past two seasons combined. … Kamara is tied for second in the NFL with 602 scrimmage yards this season and leads all running backs with 23 catches this season. … WR Chris Olave had just two catches for 10 yards last week, his only game in the past four with fewer than 80 yards receiving. … WR Rashid Shaheed led New Orleans with 86 yards receiving last week, including a 43-yard TD catch, his third this season of at least that length. … DE Chase Young had his 18th career sack last week. … DT Bryan Bresee has four sacks in his past four games. … DT Khalen Saunders made his first career interception last week. … CB Alontae Taylor had two tackles for loss and his second forced fumble of the season last week. He is the only player with at least four tackles for loss and four passes defensed this season.
Fantasy tip
Evans hasn’t always performed poorly against Lattimore, but has been shut down in that matchup several times in the past. If there was ever a week to sit Evans in favor of another receiver, this could be it. Meanwhile, if there’s a chance to pick up Bucs kicker Chase McLaughlin, take it. The Saints’ defense has the best red zone percentage in the league, allowing touchdowns on just 25% of opponent trips inside the 20, often forcing field goals in the process.
