NEW ORLEANS — Saints rookie Spencer Rattler made a case for the backup quarterback job behind veteran Derek Carr.
Receiver Samson Nacua made a stirring special teams play that improved his stock, but ended in a manner he’ll long regret.
Rattler threw a touchdown pass and led four scoring drives totalling 24 points in a 30-27 preseason loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.
“I feel like I’ve taken steps where I need to,” said Rattler, a fifth-round draft choice out of South Carolina. “I work here, you know? I’m new. I’m a rookie. I’m just trying to get better, improve, and help the team.”
Titans reserve quarterback Malik Willis connected with Bryce Oliver on two fourth-quarter touchdown passes — the second on fourth-and-1 from the New Orleans 5-yard line with 1:25 left, to rally the Titans (3-0).
“Malik showed really well for himself,” Titans coach Brian Callahan said. “He made some really big-time throws.”
Nacua — brother of Rams receiver Puca Nacua — returned a missed field goal 106 yards before being forced out of bounds at the Tennessee 3-yard line by Netherlands native Thomas Odukoya as time expired in the first half.
“Going sideways made it feel like an extra 60 yards because I got to that 50-yard line and I was like, ‘My legs are gone,’” Nacua said.
He said family and friends are “probably going to tell me I am the slower brother and I’m going to be sick because I know I’m faster than Puca.”
Although the riveting return produced no points, it could improve Nacua’s chances of sticking around past Tuesday, the deadline for teams to trim rosters from 90 players down to the regular season maximum of 53.
“That’s just part of the evaluation,” Saints coach Dennis Allen said. “There was a lot of smart football that took place on that play and there was a competitive nature of the guys that were on that unit in trying to score. It certainly was an exciting play.”
Tennessee opened scoring with its first-team offence facing the Saints’ second-stringers. Will Levis completed 22-yard passes to tight end Nick Vannett and receiver Tyler Boyd before Tony Pollard made it 7-0 with his 1-yard run.
“We were clean with our operation top to bottom,” Levis said. “I was proud of how the guys went out there and played and it was awesome to see some guys step up and make some plays.”
Levis had a 33-yard completion to Calvin Ridley on the second series to set up Nick Folk’s 39-yard field goal.
The Saints (1-2) played few starters other than offensive tackles Taliese Fuaga and Trevor Penning.
Rattler, who was 7 of 13 for 105 yards, hit Equanimeous St. Brown for a 21-yard touchdown in the second quarter. The play capped a 70-yard drive on Rattler’s first series after he came in for fellow reserve QB Jake Haener.
Rattler also led New Orleans 34 yards in the final two minutes of the first half to set up Blake Grupe’s 54-yard field goal. His fourth-quarter scoring drives ended with TD runs of 11 and 2 yards by undrafted rookie and Louisiana native Jacob Kibodi.
Haener, a second-year pro competing for the backup job, faced Titans defensive starters to open the game. When he returned in the third quarter, he led the Saints to a field goal, but later was sacked and stripped on a play that resulted in a drive-stalling 20-yard loss.
Haener also played the Saints’ final offensive series, which stalled as time ran out.
MOMENT OF SILENCE
The Saints requested a moment of silence in honour of longtime sportscaster Ed Daniels, who died at age 67 from the effects of a heart attack he had while in California to cover the club’s training camp. Daniels was a New Orleans native who’d worked for ABC affiliate WGNO since 1992.
RARE SIGHTING
Titans injury-riddled cornerback Caleb Farley, a 2021 first-round draft choice, played for the first time since the middle of the 2022 season. He was credited with an assisted tackle.
“He did a nice job,” Callahan said. “Just for all the things he’s been through, the ups and downs, just really cool to see him have a chance to go play.”
INJURIES
Titans: S Elijah Molden briefly received treatment on the field after a second-quarter tackle before walking to the sideline on his own. He was evaluated for concussion symptoms. … LB Chance Campbell went to the locker room with a knee injury.
Saints: CB Rezjohn Wright went to the locker room in the first quarter with an apparent left leg injury.
UP NEXT
Titans: Open the regular season at Chicago on Sept. 8.
Saints: Host Carolina on Sept. 8.
In a thrilling pre-season matchup between the Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints, it was the Titans who emerged victorious thanks to the late heroics of quarterback Malik Willis. Despite a standout performance from Saints’ quarterback Spencer Rattler, it was Willis who stole the show with his clutch plays in the final minutes of the game.
Willis, a rookie out of Liberty University, showed poise and composure beyond his years as he led the Titans on a game-winning drive in the closing moments of the fourth quarter. His ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs kept the Saints’ defense on their toes and ultimately proved to be the difference in the game.
While Rattler, a highly-touted prospect out of Oklahoma, put on an impressive display of his own with his pinpoint accuracy and decision-making, it was Willis who shined brightest when it mattered most. His ability to rise to the occasion in pressure situations bodes well for his future in the NFL and has Titans fans excited for what he can bring to the team this season.
Despite the loss, Rattler’s performance was a bright spot for the Saints as they look to solidify their quarterback situation heading into the regular season. His chemistry with his receivers and ability to read defenses will be key for the Saints as they aim to make a playoff push in the competitive NFC South.
Overall, the Titans’ victory over the Saints was a thrilling start to the pre-season and showcased the talent and potential of both Willis and Rattler. As the regular season approaches, both teams will look to build on their performances and continue to fine-tune their rosters in preparation for the challenges that lie ahead.