HC Matt LaFleur Issues Stern Punishment After Third-Round Rookie Exits Preseason Game vs. Jets Early

Rookie Saints QB slams 49ers’ shove as “trash,” sending a warning to Talanoa Hufanga: “The play was dead, but he deliberately did that to try to take me out.” New Orleans, September 15, 2025 – The New Orleans Saints’ narrow 26-21 loss to the San Francisco 49ers wasn’t just defined by the scoreboard, but also by one fiery moment that lit up the Superdome. Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler broke his silence after the game, lashing out at 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga for what he described as a “dirty” play. The incident occurred in the third quarter with the 49ers up 20-14. Rattler scrambled out of the pocket and stepped out of bounds to avoid pressure. Just as the play seemed over, Hufanga charged and delivered a hard shove that sent the rookie quarterback crashing dangerously close to the bench area. The late hit instantly sparked chaos – Rattler’s teammates rushed in, the crowd erupted, and referees flagged Hufanga for a 15-yard personal foul. Speaking candidly postgame, Rattler did not hold back his frustration. “That was trash,” he said. “The play was over, everyone knew the whistle had blown, and he still came at me like that. That wasn’t football – that was someone trying to take me out. I respect tough defense, but there’s a line, and he crossed it.” Rattler went further, issuing a stern warning aimed directly at Hufanga. “He tried to send a message, but I’ve got one too – I’m not backing down. This is my team, my city, and I’m going to stand tall. If he thinks he can rattle me with that nonsense, he’s got another thing coming.” The 22-year-old rookie has been thrust into the spotlight quickly, tasked with leading a Saints team in transition under new head coach Kellen Moore. While the hit rattled the sidelines, it also showcased the locker room’s loyalty to their young quarterback, as offensive linemen and receivers immediately confronted Hufanga after the whistle. For the Saints, the incident adds fuel to an already emotional start to the season. Though Rattler finished with respectable numbers, the defining takeaway may not be his stat line but his response to adversity. By publicly calling out a Pro Bowl defender, Rattler not only defended himself but also signaled to the NFL that he refuses to be intimidated. As the Saints prepare for their next tough stretch of road games, one thing is clear – their rookie quarterback has fire in his voice and fight in his heart.