Quarterback Spencer Rattler and the Saints offense welcome the return of several injured players

The returnees may be able to help with that process for Rattler, who is clear about the area in which he needs the most improvement.

“Hopefully we don’t make a bad game worse,” Rattler said. “Don’t try to be a superhero and make the big play, just get us to the next down when we need to. I think you feel a lot better about getting two plays out of every game that comes out of it. It's a simple solution and it gets done.

Rattler was specifically referring to a second-quarter play against Denver. On first-and-10 from the Saints' 30-yard line, he fumbled at the snap and recovered at the 22-yard line, then fumbled when he was sacked at the 19-yard line. The Broncos recovered and returned for a touchdown, but the play was nullified by an offside penalty.

“I knew he was offside, but just catch the ball and go down. Don’t try to throw it away (or) throw it away in a timely manner,” Rattler said. “There are two fingers on the ball, I tried to throw it away. Get him out quicker, it’s that simple.”

Other than that, Allen hasn't experienced a mental slump at Rattler.

“I don’t think he allows too much,” Allen said. “There were some bright spots in the things he did, and yet there are things he needs to improve on, which is to be expected for any rookie and especially a guy playing the quarterback position.”

“And look, he was put in a little bit of a tough situation with a lot of guys up front being banged up and (out of the lineup) and missing the two starting receivers in the last game. But I think overall I think he's done some good things and I'm looking forward to seeing him operate and hopefully bring some guys back.”

Sunday could be Rattler's last start; Derek Carr (oblique) is going through the progression and throwing, Allen said. It will start when its functionality reaches game effectiveness.

But two starts in five days, plus the extra days of rest and preparation created by last Thursday night's game against the Broncos, have Rattler hopeful that improvement is soon on the way.

“After three games in 11 days – especially with a lot of young guys, including myself, making our first starts – there will be some bumps in the road,” he said. “But we have to find a way to make it work. I think having a full week of rest, getting the guys back, getting the body and soul back will be great for us.”

“I think it’s a constant challenge every day. The first few starts, a lot of things I could do better. I'm happy with a lot of things as a group and personally, but there's a lot of room for improvement. This week I'm just focusing on improving in all the little things and just trying to be the best for this team.