In a recent announcement, New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore revealed that the team will finalize their starting quarterback in the coming days. This decision comes after a competitive evaluation process that has notably narrowed the contenders to Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough, following a three-man competition that initially included Jake Haener.
The Saints kicked off their quarterback competition earlier in the season when Shough was drafted in April. Coach Moore indicated that he and his assistant coaches plan to thoroughly analyze film from the recent 28-19 loss to the Denver Broncos before making a final decision. “I think it’s important that we collaborate and talk through this thing. That’s an important aspect of this process,” Moore stated. He also emphasized that each coach brings unique perspectives to the table, making this discussion crucial.
When asked about the consensus among coaches regarding the quarterbacks, Moore mentioned there have been “healthy discussions.” He humorously remarked, “I’m not going to get into the voting ballots like ‘Big Brother’ or something with ballots every week.” Moore expressed confidence in the coaching staff, stating, “It’s been a great discussion. We’ve got the right guys in the room.”
Despite the ongoing competition, Coach Moore confirmed that he does not intend to bring in an outside veteran quarterback. He expressed confidence in the current group, saying, “We feel great about this group. We’ve invested and poured a lot into these guys. These guys are young and will continue to grow each day.” This statement underscores the Saints' commitment to developing their young players.
In the preseason finale, Spencer Rattler took the reins as the starting quarterback, completing 5 of 8 passes for 43 yards without any touchdowns or interceptions over three drives with the first unit. Tyler Shough, who entered the game in the second quarter, had a standout performance, completing 10 of 12 passes for 102 yards and scoring an 11-yard touchdown run, despite a turnover from a strip sack.
Throughout the preseason, Rattler has demonstrated impressive statistics, completing 69.8% of his passes for 295 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and four sacks taken. In comparison, Shough completed 66.7% of his passes for 333 yards, also with one touchdown, one interception, and five sacks. This close performance has led to speculation about who will ultimately be named the starter.
Shough believes that the competition has been extremely close and feels he has done enough to secure the starting position. “What I put on tape continually throughout the call-it periods and games shows steady growth. I feel like I’m fully capable of leading the charge,” he asserted. He added that he is eager to prepare for the upcoming game against Arizona and is excited about the team’s progress.
On the other hand, Rattler mentioned that while he tries not to focus too much on the impending decision, he is ready for the opportunity if he is named the starter. “That’s not my decision to make. I just try to put my best foot forward,” he stated, indicating his commitment to the team's success.
The New Orleans Saints are on the verge of making a significant decision regarding their starting quarterback. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, fans will be eagerly waiting to see whether Spencer Rattler or Tyler Shough will lead the offense. With both quarterbacks showcasing their skills during the preseason, the upcoming days will be pivotal for the Saints' future.
