Silver lining in the dark clouds! “With Derek Carr Sidelined, Jake Haener Emerging as the Starting Quarterback Makes the Most Sense for the Saints to Revitalize Their Offense and Invest in Long-Term Development”…
The New Orleans Saints find themselves in a precarious situation with starting quarterback Derek Carr sidelined due to injury. While Carr’s absence is a significant blow to the team, it opens the door for rookie Jake Haener to step in and potentially provide a spark.
Haener, a fourth-round pick from Fresno State, offers a unique combination of skill, poise, and readiness that makes him the most logical choice to start under center for the Saints in Carr’s absence. Here’s why giving Haener the reins could benefit the team in both the short and long term.
1. A Promising Skill Set
Jake Haener’s success at Fresno State showcased his potential as a pro-ready quarterback. He demonstrated exceptional accuracy, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 33 touchdowns in his final collegiate season.
Despite standing just 6’1” and being considered undersized by NFL standards, Haener’s precise ball placement, quick decision-making, and strong football IQ stood out during the pre-draft process.
What makes Haener particularly intriguing is his ability to thrive under pressure. At Fresno State, he was known for his toughness and resilience, often making clutch plays in tight games. Those traits are crucial in the NFL, especially for a team like the Saints, whose offense has struggled at times this season to find consistency.
2. A Fresh Perspective for the Offense
The Saints’ offense has been a mixed bag this season. While they boast talented playmakers like Chris Olave, Michael Thomas, and Alvin Kamara, the unit has yet to consistently live up to its potential. Part of the issue has been conservative play-calling and a lack of explosiveness in the passing game.
Haener’s playing style could inject some much-needed energy. As a rookie, he brings an element of unpredictability, which could work to the Saints’ advantage.
Haener is willing to take calculated risks, push the ball downfield, and use his mobility to extend plays—qualities that could help unlock the offense’s full potential.
Moreover, Haener’s presence could encourage offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael to design more creative schemes, utilizing the team’s weapons in innovative ways to make life easier for the young quarterback. This could lead to a more dynamic and balanced attack, keeping defenses on their heels.
3. Development for the Future
Starting Haener isn’t just about filling a temporary void; it’s also an investment in the Saints’ future. While Derek Carr is under contract and expected to be the team’s starter moving forward, the NFL is unpredictable. Injuries, performance slumps, and long-term planning all necessitate having a capable backup who can step in seamlessly.
Giving Haener meaningful reps in live game situations will accelerate his development. There’s only so much a rookie can learn from watching film and practicing with the second team.
Being thrown into the fire allows Haener to experience the speed of the NFL game, face different defensive schemes, and build chemistry with the starting unit. Even if he struggles, those experiences are invaluable for his growth as a quarterback.
4. The Alternative Options
The Saints’ quarterback room includes veteran Jameis Winston, who has been Carr’s backup this season. While Winston has starting experience and a strong arm, he has also struggled with inconsistency and turnovers throughout his career. Opting for Winston may seem like the safer choice, but it comes with limited upside.
The Saints already know what Winston brings to the table, and his track record suggests that he’s unlikely to suddenly become a game-changing starter.
On the other hand, Haener represents a blank slate. His potential is untapped, and the Saints have nothing to lose by seeing what he can do in a starting role. If Haener struggles, the team can always turn back to Winston, but if he succeeds, it could be the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the franchise.
5. Managing Expectations
Starting a rookie quarterback is never without risks, and it’s essential for the Saints to manage expectations. Haener is bound to make mistakes as he adjusts to the NFL level.
However, the coaching staff and fanbase must view this as a learning opportunity rather than a make-or-break situation. Success shouldn’t solely be measured by wins and losses but by Haener’s ability to show growth, command the offense, and make positive contributions.
Additionally, the Saints’ defense, one of the better units in the league, can provide a safety net for Haener. By keeping games close and limiting opponents’ scoring opportunities, the defense can alleviate some of the pressure on the rookie and allow him to play more freely.
6. A Rallying Point for the Team
Sometimes, adversity can galvanize a team. Starting Haener could serve as a rallying point for the Saints, uniting the locker room around the young quarterback. Players often respond positively to a new face under center, especially one with Haener’s work ethic and determination.
If the team rallies behind him and plays with renewed energy, it could lead to a stretch of inspired football that helps keep the Saints in playoff contention.
While Derek Carr’s injury is a setback for the Saints, it also presents an opportunity to explore what Jake Haener can bring to the table. His skill set, potential, and the chance to inject life into the offense make him the logical choice to start in Carr’s absence.
Starting Haener not only provides a potential short-term spark but also helps the team prepare for the future, ensuring that they have a capable quarterback waiting in the wings.
The Saints have nothing to lose and everything to gain by giving Haener this opportunity. Whether he thrives or struggles, the experience will be invaluable for both Haener and the franchise as they navigate the challenges of the season and beyond.
