Saints’ quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko has taken an unconventional approach to prepare rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler for the frigid December night game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. With temperatures expected to be low, this preparation method aims to help the team acclimate to the harsh conditions they will face.
“Janocko led us into the cafeteria freezer, where it felt like 10 degrees, and we ran through our entire script in there,” Rattler shared with ESPN. “That experience was really beneficial. While I hope it won’t be that cold, we’ll be ready for whatever comes our way.”
Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET, with the temperature in Green Bay expected to hover around 31 degrees, but wind chill may make it feel like 27 degrees, as reported by The Weather Channel.
In his first season with the Saints, Janocko, 36, previously served as the quarterbacks coach for the Chicago Bears from 2022-2023 and held multiple offensive coaching roles with the Minnesota Vikings between 2015 and 2021.
Last week, Rattler stepped in for Jake Haener against the Washington Commanders, nearly leading the Saints to an impressive comeback from a 17-point deficit. He threw for 135 yards and one touchdown, but the team ultimately fell short with a failed two-point conversion attempt in the 20-19 loss.
The upcoming matchup against the 10-4 Packers will mark Rattler’s fourth start in the NFL. So far, he has accumulated 706 passing yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions, and a passer rating of 73.1, completing 57.5% of his passes. Unfortunately for the Saints, they are 0-3 in games that Rattler has started, despite him appearing in four games overall.
The New Orleans Saints currently hold a 5-9 record, trailing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers by three games in the NFC South, making their playoff hopes slim. Starting quarterback Derek Carr has missed significant time due to an oblique injury and is now expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a hand injury sustained in Week 14 against the New York Giants.
Reflecting on the unique practice in the freezer, Rattler emphasized the importance of preparing for the cold. “It’s about being ready so nothing catches you off guard,” he stated. “This preparation helps us tackle both the opponent and the challenging venue. Doing something different at this time of year is refreshing. It can be a long season, and mixing things up helps break the monotony of daily meetings.”
He added, “The guys found it hilarious. The cafeteria staff probably thinks I’m a little crazy.”
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