How Will Todd Bowles, Bucs Fare Against Another Rookie Quarterback?

Derek Carr's oblique injury has thrown an interesting twist into the latest installment of the NFC South rivalry between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New Orleans Saints. Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler will now make his first NFL start Sunday afternoon.

The Saints have utilized second-year pro Jake Haener behind Carr this season, but have opted for the more diverse skillset of the South Carolina product. New Orleans' decision also marks an occurrence for the Bucs who will now have faced three rookie quarterbacks in their first six games.

Tampa Bay has performed moderately well in such instances since Todd Bowles joined the franchise in 2019 with an 11-6 record. This season, they have a 1-1 split in contests against Washington Commanders Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix of the Denver Broncos.

Strangely, the Bucs dominated against the more heralded prospect Daniels but sputtered against Nix. They played both games at home and now head into a hostile road environment for their third trial.

One area Tampa Bay must key in on remains in containing the quarterback. In their matchups against Daniels and Nix, the two rushed for 88 yards and 47 yards respectively.  Rattler may not be a pronounced runner, but can make plays with his feet and scramble for extra yardage.

As a rookie thrust into a sudden situation, Rattler could look for his escape route quickly if he cannot hit his initial reads. That means the Bucs will need urgency in limiting those chances and utilizing the pass rush that has granted them 10 sacks in their last two games.

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Further, the defense of the Bowles and the Bucs cannot make Rattler comfortable. Alvin Kamara will give the rookie a significant boost out of the backfield while Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed present considerable receiving threats on the outside.

Rattler's ability to get those players involved early and establish a rhythm could be a factor in this matchup.

Much about this rookie's prospects is unknown, but a home divisional matchup is a prime opportunity for Rattler to potentially stir a quarterback controversy. Tampa Bay needs to burn that script in order to take this needed divisional victory.