Dennis Allen is desperate for solutions as the Saints make a big change midway through the game

Despite having several key players back from injury, the New Orleans Saints are still struggling in their Week 8 game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Trailing 16-5 late in the third quarter, the Saints decided to shake things up by benching rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler and bringing in second-year QB Jake Haener .

Rattler, who was named the starter after Derek Carr went down with an oblique injury in Week 5, was 12 of 24 for 156 yards before being benched. The rookie quarterback was also sacked three times – which proved to be a constant problem for him throughout his short career as he sometimes held onto the ball for too long.

Haener entered the game and completed his first pass, but his second pass was deflected by Chris Olave and New Orleans had to settle for three points. He will now try to lead the Saints to an epic fourth quarter comeback.

Regardless of how Haener performs, this will likely be the last week that Derek Carr isn't the focus. The veteran quarterback has begun to make progress, and head coach Dennis Allen has circled the Week 9 game against the Carolina Panthers as Carr's likely return date.

Unfortunately for Carr and the Saints, the season could already be over by the time he gets back on the field. If New Orleans fails to stage a comeback against the Chargers, the team's record will be 2-6 in Week 9. That means the Saints pretty much have to win if they want to have a chance at the playoffs.

The team understands this and that is why the decision was made to replace Rattler with Haener. The game was still within reach, so New Orleans had to try everything to secure a victory.

READ MORE