The prediction leans towards Tyler Shough being selected as the New Orleans Saints' starting quarterback for their first game of the season.
Battle for the Saints' Starting Quarterback Position: Shough and Rattler in a Tight Race
The New Orleans Saints' quarterback position for the 2025-26 season is shaping up to be a closely contested battle between rookie Tyler Shough and second-year pro Spencer Rattler.
Shough, a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, has been impressing with his prototypical size (6-foot-5, 225 pounds) and above-average arm, displaying solid mobility and making significant throws, including deep passes and chunk plays. In two preseason matchups, Shough has completed 24 of 34 passes for 231 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, nearly equalling Rattler’s 25 completions on 35 attempts for 252 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
Rattler, a five-star recruit for Lincoln Riley and the Oklahoma Sooners, had a disappointing performance in his six starts last year, with a 0-6 record, 4 TDs, 5 INTs, and a 70.4 QB Rating. Despite this, Rattler's recruitment by Riley, who is known as a "quarterback whisperer," having gotten three different guys taken first in the NFL draft (Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Williams), may have initially given him an edge. However, Rattler's poor performance in Riley's system suggests that he may not be a starting quarterback in the NFL.
Rattler lost his job mid-season to Caleb Williams and subsequently transferred to South Carolina, while Riley brought Williams with him to USC.
Coach Kellen Moore has emphasised that the competition between Shough and Rattler is "really, really close," with evaluation continuing through the final preseason game. The Saints value their draft investment in Shough, and the team's strategy may involve alternating drives between the two quarterbacks to assess leadership and command under real-game situations, indicating no clear frontrunner yet.
The final decision on the Saints' starting quarterback for the upcoming season is expected to be made just before the regular season begins, after the last preseason practices and game.
In summary, Tyler Shough is a strong candidate for the Saints' starting quarterback job heading into the 2025-26 season, but the competition with Spencer Rattler remains too close to call. The coaching staff will finalize their decision only after the last preseason practices and game, likely just before Week 1.
- The odds for the New Orleans Saints' starting quarterback spot are dramatically swaying between Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler, both showing promising abilities in the preseason.
- Come the 2025-26 NFL season, American Football fans might find themselves placing a bet on the starting quarterback for the Saints, given the close race between Shough and Rattler.
- With both Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler performing well in preseason games, the clash between them for the Saints' quarterback position echoes the excitement of a pivotal sports rivalry, much like a fierce football or NFL matchup.
