WATCH: Rookie linebacker Danny Stutsman picks off Saints QB Spencer Rattler
Here's another throw at New Orleans Saints training camp that Spencer Rattler would like back. Both of the Saints' rookie fourth-round draft picks have now intercepted him in practice, with linebacker Danny Stutsman picking off Rattler in the end zone just days after cornerback Quincy Riley snatched an errant pass away in a similar situation. Stutsman and Rattler were college teammates at Oklahoma back in 2021.
Now, we shouldn't blow this out of proportion. Training camp is when you want guys taking risks and testing the limits of what they can get away with against NFL defenders. But this was a poor decision no matter what time of year it is. See it for yourself right here.
Rattler was leading the first-string offense in 7-on-9 drills against the first-team defense; Stutsman was bumped up the depth chart with Demario Davis absent from practice. The second-year QB tried a throw to wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. running a crossing route through the middle of the end zone, but he was covered. Stutsman read the play as it developed and dropped back to leap the route. Even if the rookie hadn't been there, free safety Justin Reid was closing on Wilson fast, and it would've been a contested-catch situation at best.
Again, this was one play. Jake Haener was intercepted at this same practice session, too, when he gambled on a deep shot to wide receiver Chris Tyree (this time, safety Julian Blackmon picked him off). But one of the big concerns with Rattler's rookie-year game tape was his decision making. He threw five interceptions and, according to Pro Football Focus charting, had 14 turnover-worthy plays on his grading sheet. He needs to show better judgment if he's going to fend off Haener and Tyler Shough in this summer's training camp competition. Hopefully this ends up being a learning moment for him.
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