As the Saints prepare to face the 49ers, all eyes are on young quarterback Spencer Rattler. If San Francisco executes their defensive strategy correctly, they could make life very difficult for New Orleans. Here are the top ways the 49ers can disrupt Rattler and tilt the game in their favor.
1. Take Away His First Read
From what we saw in Week 1 (against Arizona), Rattler tends to rely heavily on his first read. When that option is there, he’s confident; when it’s removed or covered quickly, chaos tends to set in. �
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What the 49ers should do:
Use disciplined cornerbacks and linebackers to take away primary receivers immediately — tight press, shadowing, perhaps even bracket coverage.
Force Rattler to work through progressions under duress; make him move off-script.
Get pressure quickly so he can’t settle into his first option.
If that first option is disrupted, it gives the defensive front more opportunity to collapse the pocket or force errant throws. �
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2. Monitor and Limit Scrambling / Backyard Plays
Another pattern is that once Rattler’s first read isn’t available, he will often try to extend plays by moving around, scrambling, or using designed runs. These “backyard” or broken plays can become dangerous if the defense loses contain. �
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How the 49ers can combat this:
Maintain edge discipline. Defensive ends / outside linebackers must prevent escape lanes.
Use spy assignments or delay blitzes so that someone is available to track Rattler if he starts moving out of the pocket.
Mix zone and man coverage in a way that discourages deep escapes; sometimes lighter coverage with more defenders near the line of scrimmage helps limit yards after escape.
Rattler only scrambled a few times in Week 1, but the potential is there — containing that aspect will be crucial. �
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3. Blitz Packages and Disguised Looks to Force Mistakes
Beyond just shutting down his initial reads and scrambling, the 49ers can make Rattler uncomfortable by disguising defensive looks and bringing varied pressure. It’s one thing to bring heat; it’s another to confuse the QB pre-snap so he mis-reads the defense. �
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What could work:
Pre-snap shifts or disguised coverages that look like one thing but turn into another (e.g., showing zone then rotating into man).
Occasional blitzes from unexpected spots: delayed edge blitzes, linebackers sneaking through interior gaps.
Mix in stunts and twists along the defensive front so the line doesn’t become predictable.
If Rattler can’t reliably identify where pressure is coming from, he might hold the ball too long, take sacks, make hurried throws or outright mistakes. �
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Challenges for the 49ers
While these strategies have strong potential, San Francisco must also be aware of some risks:
Over-blitzing can leave vulnerable matchups downfield if coverage breaks down.
If edges are sealed off cleanly, Rattler might exploit quick short throws or check-downs.
The Saints’ receivers have speed; if the 49ers lose discipline, Shaheed or Olave could burn them for big gains. �
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Bottom Line
If San Francisco can disrupt Rattler’s first look, close off scrambling lanes, and mix up pressure with disguise, they force the Saints into predictable, tight situations. That could allow the 49ers to keep scoring low while relying on defensive dominance to win.
In short: make him show what he really is under pressure, hesitate, force him into tough throws, and don’t give him freedom to extend plays. Do that, and the game tips heavily toward San Francisco.