The New Orleans Saints have named their starting quarterback for their Week 15 home game against the Washington Commanders. Head Coach Darren Rizzi gave Jake Haener the nod for his first career start earlier today. Other options for the Saints at quarterback could have been Spencer Rattler or the recently signed Ben DiNucci. New Orleans needed a QB for the upcoming game due to Derek Carr suffering a concussion and a hand injury in last week’s victory against the New York Giants.
Tayson Hill also suffered a season-ending injury earlier this year. Haener was drafted in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints out of Fresno State. In relief this season he went 14-of-29 for 177 passing yards and 1 touchdown. With so many quarterback injuries Haener has gotten into the game, but Sunday will be his first start. How will he fare in the game?
New Orleans Saints Season Summary
https://twitter.com/MikeGarafolo/status/1867371839678296404
New Orleans(5-8) has fallen on tough times after starting the season 2-0. They then lost seven straight games and the team has struggled to recover from that terrible stretch. The New Orleans Saints fired Head Coach Dennis Allen due to the losing streak and elevated Rizzi. The Saints have gone 3-1 since.
The team’s offense has been mediocre this season as they are 14th in total yards and 17th in points scored. Their defense has not been good this season. They are 30th in yards allowed and 16th in points allowed. The Saints defense has played much better as of late as they have surrendered only 14 points per game over their last four contests. Their defense will be tested against a high-flying Commanders unit.
Final Thoughts
Haener will face a Washington Commanders defense that is 12th in yards allowed and 17th in points per game. Washington is coming off a bye week, which means they will be well rested, but their defense was limping into their bye. Their defense had surrendered 27+ points in three straight games before their dominant victory over the Tennessee Titans in Week 13.
Haener will look to impress the team as he hopes to keep the starting job with Carr’s status for the season’s final four games undetermined. It will be a landmark game for Haener as he looks to keep the team’s 1% playoff hopes alive.
