Saint's Quarterback Competition Remains Tight and Coach Affirms Closeness
New Orleans Saints Name Spencer Rattler as Week 1 Starter
The New Orleans Saints have made their decision on who will lead their offense in the opening game of the 2025 season. Head coach Kellen Moore announced that second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler will be the starting QB for Week 1, taking the reins from the veteran Jameis Winston.
Rattler's consistent performances during the last weeks of practice and preseason have earned him the starting spot. He demonstrated a strong command of the offense, good decision-making, and played "really clean football," as Moore noted. Rattler posted a 71.4% completion rate in camp and preseason, with 252 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, while being sacked three times.
The competition between Rattler and rookie Tyler Shough, the Saints' second-round pick from April, was a focus all summer. Shough, with less experience, will be in an ideal developmental role this season, allowing him to prepare gradually without the pressure of Week 1 starting duties. Both quarterbacks are expected to see playing time during the year, with the possibility of switches depending on performance and the challenging early schedule the Saints face.
The evaluation process for the starting quarterback position goes back to the start of training camp. Kellen Moore has been using the remaining practice days and the preseason game to evaluate the two candidates closely. Rattler's 41 rushing yards on six scrambles in the preseason, compared to Shough's one run for three yards, have also been taken into account.
The Saints have three practice days remaining before their final preseason game, which will be against the Denver Broncos in New Orleans. The regular season opener for the Saints is against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, Sept. 7, at 1 p.m. ET, but the location for the game has not yet been specified.
Jake Haener, who was also part of the early competition, was waived during final roster cuts, leaving Rattler and Shough as the primary QBs. Moore will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on both quarterbacks as they prepare for the upcoming season.
In summary, Spencer Rattler is the Week 1 starter, chosen for his experience and consistency, while Tyler Shough remains a highly regarded rookie prospect poised for development and future contributions. The Saints' season is about to kick off, and football fans are eager to see how these two quarterbacks will lead the team to victory.
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