In no way, shape or form is Spencer Rattler new to this.
The second-year quarterback played in seven games and started six last year as a rookie, when he completed 130 of 228 passes for 1,317 yards and four touchdowns, with five interceptions.
But suggesting it totally will be a familiar feel for him Sunday, when he starts the New Orleans Saints' season opener against Arizona in the Caesars Superdome, almost would be laughable.
Rattler entered the hardest of knocks last season, playing with lineups more patchwork than a quilt.
Erik McCoy (center) missed five of Rattler's six starts with injury; Cesar Ruiz (right guard) was absent for two; Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed (receivers) missed four and five, respectively; Taysom Hill (tight end) was out for five of them; and Alvin Kamara (running back) missed three.
And that's not every offensive starter who missed time with Rattler, just the most notable skill players, producers and protectors. Even Rattler was an injury replacement, starting when Derek Carr was out with several ailments.
So, heading into the opener with all but Hill available officially may not constitute a first start, but must somewhat feel that way for Rattler.
"I guess you could say that," he said Wednesday. "Fresh start, new opportunity and looking forward to attacking with these guys.
"Definitely a little different. More prepared, been able to work with these guys throughout camp and OTAs so it's been real beneficial for me, and we're excited to get out there and show the world what we've got."
Rattler emerged as the starter after an offseason-long battle with Tyler Shough, the Saints' second-round draft pick. Coach Kellen Moore noted Rattler's consistency as a major factor, and that hasn't waned since he was named starter.
"He's just been great," Moore said Wednesday. "He's really steady, I think he's got some calm, smooth confidence to him that's really fun and you feel it. There's a vibe to him each and every day as he walks around and handles himself throughout the day.
"We're excited to see him go out there and play and lead us, and he's going to play really well. We have all the confidence in the world with him, it's about letting him just go do his thing."
Though his work last season didn't occur with several offensive starters, Rattler gained from the experience and looks to put into practice the lessons from 2024.
"What's in the past shapes a person for the future, so I won't be thinking about that when I'm on the field, but it's always special going through that tunnel and hearing the Saints fans going crazy," he said. "I want to go in the Dome and have a good showing with the guys.
"You want to earn the respect of your teammates and fight for them, because you know they're going to fight for you. You don't have to be a captain to lead. As a quarterback, you're naturally going to be a leader so stepping into that role fully and attacking it.
"I'm just taking it day by day, staying in the moment. That's something we've been preaching is the game's not today, the game's not tomorrow, let's be our best each day we can and keep building and then go into the game, have the plan ready, play free and play fast. Obviously, there's going to be some emotions going into the stadium on Sunday – everybody's going to be fired up, I think the energy will be super high. It's another great opportunity that we're all looking forward to."
