New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Jake Haener led the team into scoring position for the last-second 31-yard field goal from fellow rookie placekicker Blake Grupe. The Fresno State product played the entire second half on seven possessions for New Orleans. He connected on 10/17 attempts for 105 passing yards, one touchdown, and an interception.

HAENER’S POSSESSIONS

1. NO 33-yard line at 11:57, Q3. The drive lasted 1:13 for 3 plays and 7 yards; Punt
2. NO 46-yard line at 8:40, Q3; The drive lasted 28 seconds on for 3 plays and -8 yards; Interception.
3. NO 10-yard line at 6:02, Q3; The drive lasted 3:40 for 6 plays and 27 yards, 1 first down; Punt.
4. NO 24-yard line at 15:00, Q4; The drive lasted 2:45 for 4 plays and 31 yards, 1 first down; Punt.
5. NO 23-yard line at 6:17, Q4; The drive lasted 4:29 for 3 plays, 17 yards, 1 10-yard penalty, 7 net yards; Punt.
6. NO 24-yard line at 3:22, Q4; The drive lasted 2:02 for 6 plays, 48 yards, +28 penalty yards, 76 net yards, 6 first downs; TOUCHDOWN.
7. KC 22 following an interception at 58 seconds, Q4; The drive lasted 58 seconds for 4 plays, 9 yards; FIELD GOAL.

HAENER’S SCORING DRIVES

1. Jake Haener had a short right pass to running back Ellis Merriweather for a 2-yard touchdown. The two-point conversion attempt failed as Haener was stopped short on a rush up the middle. 1:25 TOP
2. Placekick Blake Grupe kicked a 31-yard field goal as time expired. 58 seconds TOP

Jake Haener discusses defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1 of the preseason. He covers defensive strategies, his thought process, past achievements, teamwork and preparation, staying focused, and executing under pressure.

KEY POINTS FROM HAENER’S INTERVIEW

• Appreciation for Derek and Jameis being present
• Different defensive strategies faced by Derek (such as shell and man coverage)
• Valuing Derek’s thought process and game analysis
• Praise for Derek’s past achievements as an elite player for ten years
• Impressed by a kid who loves playing football
• Building connection and rhythm through timing and chatting with teammates
• The mistake on a two-point conversion play was due to miscommunication
• The learning curve from college to NFL
• Impressive opening drive by Derek with good throws
• Pride in competitive nature and ability to perform under pressure
• The mindset of moving on from mistakes and focusing on the next play to win the game
• Acknowledgment of Derek Carr’s role in their preparation
• Carr’s engagement in discussing and analyzing plays during the first half
• Carr’s input contributes to readiness for the second half
• Reflection on the last drive and overcoming initial miscommunication and challenges
• Importance of having a short-term memory and staying positive and focused
• Feeling comfortable and in control during successful drives
• Importance of good communication and getting into the flow of the game
• The urgency of the situation enables focus and high-level execution
• Playing with a react mindset and believing in belonging in those moments

KEY HAENER QUOTES

The Importance of Staying Positive and Focused: “I think it’s just staying positive, staying focused, staying task-oriented, one play at a time, and ultimately found a way to get it done.” — Jake Haener 00:00:2900:00:37

“Insights from Derek: ‘Having a guy that’s been elite for ten years and done some really good things was great.'” — Jake Haener 00:02:0200:02:05

Derek Carr’s Love for Football and Clutch Plays: “The kid grinds. He loves football, and I think in this now, everybody’s about making a living and doing something positive for your family and the people around you. But that kid just loves playing football, and I gravitate towards him, and I thought he was a known outlet for me today. Obviously, you show what he could do, and hopefully, we can string it together for the next two weeks.” — Jake Haener 00:02:0700:02:26

#saints #saintsnews #saintscamp #saintsquarterback #jakehaener #nfl #nflpreseason #saintsbeatchiefs #saintschiefs #neworleanssaints