Overview

• New Orleans fell to 0-2 with a second straight home loss, with a late strip-sack and multiple penalties — including special-teams infractions — cited as decisive mistakes.
• Spencer Rattler delivered a career-best three touchdown passes in Week 2, missing nine of 34 attempts and leading a late rally that cut the deficit to five.
• Analytics reflect the progress: Pro Football Focus graded Rattler at 79.7, eighth among quarterbacks through two weeks.
• Drew Brees and Cam Jordan publicly praised Rattler’s poise and playmaking, and 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh lauded his arm talent and decisiveness.
• Power rankings largely slot the Saints near the bottom (NFL.com No. 30; several outlets No. 32, USA Today No. 28), with upcoming road trips to Seattle and Buffalo feeding calls from some analysts for a broader rebuild.