New Orleans Saints, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
It was a rough way to start the 2025 NFL season for the New Orleans Saints. On September 7, 2025, the Saints fell to the Arizona Cardinals 20-13, dropping their debut under head coach Kellen Moore. The offense, though showing flashes, was ultimately undercut by discipline issues and missed opportunities, but there’s no doubt that Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler emerged as a talent to watch.
Rattler’s Performance: Athleticism, Precision, and Command
Rattler delivered a poised performance in his seventh NFL start. He completed 27 of 46 passes for 214 yards, showing a blend of pocket awareness and accuracy that kept New Orleans competitive throughout the game. Rattler also scrambled for an additional 29 yards on 4 carries.
Though he didn’t connect for a touchdown, Rattler spearheaded a late comeback attempt. With under two minutes to go, he guided the Saints to the Arizona 18-yard line—completing multiple quick passes, scrambling for a 9 yard gain, and expertly managing the clock. Unfortunately, despite a spike to stop the clock, the final three passes fell incomplete, including one that might’ve tied the game, thwarted by a tight defensive play.
Rattler’s athleticism and composure under pressure were evident—not just in the statistics, but in how he orchestrated the offense. Alvin Kamara later lauded his approach: “You wouldn’t think that this is just his second year… He walks into those situations and he just attacks them.”
Saints Self-Defeated: Penalties and Missed Opportunities
While Rattler’s performance stood out, the Saints’ issues were glaring. They were flagged 13 times for 89 yards, a crippling indiscipline that stalled drives and killed momentum. These infractions ranged from false starts to alignment errors, making it clear the Saints “beat themselves,” as coach Kellen Moore lamented.
Additionally, special teams failed to capitalize. Blake Grupe converted two field goals (36- and 28-yarders), but the offense couldn’t get into the end zone beyond Kamara’s early rushing score. A missed opportunity arose in the red zone near the end zone, where Rattler’s final pass was broken up by Budda Baker, who came down with a game-saving pass breakup.
A Coach’s Take
New head coach Kellen Moore faced a frustrating debut. The game’s narrative, he noted, was simple: “you can’t beat yourself.” Despite a solid outing from the QB, the penalties and lack of execution in crucial moments overshadowed the positives.
Looking Ahead
While the result stings, there’s optimism to draw from Rattler’s showing. His ability to lead a drive under pressure and manage critical moments speaks volumes about his poise and potential. If the Saints can tighten up discipline and refine their execution, Rattler’s display today suggests they have a quarterback who can deliver big performances.
Next, they’ll face a stern test against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2, an opportunity to build on the promise Rattler showed. If he continues to play with that confidence and command, and if the team cleans up its self-induced errors, New Orleans could be competitive from the jump.