Just when it seemed like the New Orleans Saints’ offense had completely stalled out, they reached deep into their playbook and pulled out a trick play that caught the Las Vegas Raiders totally off guard. Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler connected with tight end Foster Moreau on a beautifully executed gadget play, giving the Saints an early lead and a much-needed spark.
Saints Struggle to Find Offensive Rhythm
Coming into this Week 17 matchup, the Saints were desperate to get something going on offense. They suffered the ignominy of being the first team to get shut out this season in an anemic performance against the Packers last week. Head coach Shane Waldron knew he needed to shake things up.
“We’ve been working on expanding our playbook and adding some new wrinkles,” Waldron said earlier this week. “Our guys have bought in and I think we have a great opportunity to catch defenses by surprise.”
Rattler Tosses Perfect Pass to Moreau
That’s exactly what happened on the Saints’ second drive. Facing a 1st and 10 from the Raiders’ 30-yard line, Rattler took the snap and quickly pitched it to running back Kendre Miller. But Miller didn’t take off running – instead, he pulled up and threw the ball back to Rattler on a reverse.
With the defense completely fooled, Rattler calmly uncorked a dart to Moreau, who had slipped behind the coverage and into the end zone completely unnoticed. The 30-yard touchdown gave the Saints a 7-3 lead.
“Spencer put it right on the money,” Moreau said after the game. “As soon as I saw him get the ball back from Kendre, I knew six was coming my way. Huge credit to the coaches for dialing that one up.”
– Foster Moreau, Saints Tight End
Raiders Caught Off Guard by Gadget Play
For the Raiders defense, it was the last thing they expected after shutting down the Saints’ traditional offense on the opening drive. Linebacker Divine Deablo admitted they were caught completely off guard.
“You gotta tip your cap, they got us on that one,” Deablo said. “Rattler and Moreau executed it perfectly. But we’ll be ready if they try to come back to it.”
– Divine Deablo, Raiders Linebacker
A Much-Needed Boost for Rattler, Saints Offense
For Rattler and the Saints’ often-criticized offense, it was exactly the spark they needed. The fifth-round rookie has struggled with consistency in his first year as a starter, but this was easily his most impressive drive of the season.
- 30 air yards on the TD pass, a career high for Moreau
- Rattler’s 4th passing TD of 30+ yards this season
- Saints averaged 7.8 yards per play on the scoring drive
Of course, one great play doesn’t erase all the issues plaguing this Saints attack. They still have a lot of work to do to prove this wasn’t just a flash in the pan. But in a season that’s been seriously lacking in highlights, this trick play touchdown from Rattler to Moreau will give fans something to savor.
Can the Saints Build on This Momentum?
The big question now is whether New Orleans can use this as a launching pad to turn their season around. At 5-10, their playoff hopes are on life support, but crazier things have happened. If Rattler can harness some confidence from this play and the offense can start consistently moving the ball, they have winnable games left on the schedule.
No matter how the rest of this campaign plays out for the Saints, this sensational scoring strike from Rattler to Moreau will be a moment for fans to replay over and over. In an otherwise forgettable season, it’s the type of highlight they’ll cling to as a reason for optimism in the future.
The road ahead remains daunting for New Orleans, but for one glorious play, they gave their frustrated fans something to cheer about. Now the challenge will be proving it wasn’t an anomaly but rather the start of a much-needed offensive resurgence.
