Saints' quarterback Spencer Rattler openly discusses his struggles during the preseason opener in an unsparing manner.
New Orleans Saints Quarterback Battle Heats Up
The quarterback position for the New Orleans Saints is up for grabs following Derek Carr's retirement, with Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough leading the charge in the current competition.
In the preseason opener against the Los Angeles Chargers, rookie Tyler Shough impressed, completing 15 out of 22 passes for 165 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He was the only Saints quarterback to throw a touchdown in the game, connecting with Mason Tipton on a 54-yard score.
Spencer Rattler, on the other hand, saw action in the second half of the game. He went 7 out of 11 for 53 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions, and was not sacked. Rattler led three scoring drives, including a game-tying touchdown pass, showing good situational football and mobility.
Jake Haener, who has fallen behind in the competition, did not play in the most recent preseason game. The coaching staff expressed a desire to get him reps but prioritized evaluating Rattler in that game.
Head coach Kellen Moore noted Rattler’s strong response in his opportunity and praised his performance, suggesting that Rattler currently has the edge due to his consistent production and playmaking ability.
Rattler, a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, had a solid rookie season, throwing for 1,317 yards with four touchdowns and five interceptions across seven games. However, he acknowledged having "too much up and down" during the game against the Chargers.
In the same game, Rattler lost a fumble, but he believes that his group could have been better on third down and finishing in the red zone. Jake Haener completed 5 out of 8 passes for 41 yards and one interception in the game, while Tyler Shough saw the most snaps in the preseason opener.
The preseason is currently ongoing, and the Saints will be looking to find their QB1 before the regular season begins. The NFL preseason is a crucial time for quarterbacks to show their skills and prove their worth, and both Rattler and Shough will be looking to impress in their remaining preseason games.
In summary, the New Orleans Saints' quarterback battle is currently led by Spencer Rattler, with Tyler Shough as a close competitor. Jake Haener has fallen behind in the competition and did not play in the most recent preseason game. The Saints' QB1 position is up for grabs, and both Rattler and Shough will be looking to secure their spot before the regular season begins.
| Quarterback | Preseason Debut Performance | Current Status | |-------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------| | Spencer Rattler | 7/11, 53 yards, no TD, no INT, no sacks; led scoring drives and showed situational awareness | Leading the competition | | Tyler Shough | 15/22, 165 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT (1st game) | Close competitor | | Jake Haener | 5/8, 41 yards, 1 INT (did not play in recent game) | Out of main contention |
[1] ESPN
[2] The Advocate
[3] NOLA.com
[4] Pro Football Talk
[5] Sports Illustrated
During the preseason opener, Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough showcased their skills, with Rattler exhibiting a strong performance that has given him the edge in the quarterback competition for the New Orleans Saints. Meanwhile, Rattler's draft classmate, American football quarterback Tyler Shough, performed admirably in his debut, particularly in the first game.
As the Saints prepare for the regular season, both Rattler and Shough strive to solidify their positions as QB1, making the most of this crucial preseason period to prove their worth in the NFL.
