The New Orleans Saints’ search for their next starting quarterback is reaching its most pivotal point, and the spotlight now burns brighter than ever on rookie Spencer Rattler and second-year pro Tyler Shough. Sunday’s preseason matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Caesars Superdome may have provided the clearest glimpse yet into how head coach Kellen Moore views the competition—and the difference in performances between the two young quarterbacks was telling.
What began as a three-way battle among Rattler, Shough, and Jake Haener has now narrowed, with Haener seemingly fading into the background as Rattler and Shough duel for the top job. For Saints fans craving clarity, this game offered both optimism and frustration, leaving Moore with tough decisions to make in the coming weeks.
Rattler’s breakout moment
Spencer Rattler, the former South Carolina standout drafted this past spring, delivered arguably his most complete showing of the preseason. Entering the game in the second half, he immediately infused life into the Saints’ offense, leading three scoring drives and showing poise beyond his years.
Rattler went 18-for-24 through the air, tallying 199 yards and one touchdown—a 20-yard strike to wideout Dante Pettis that tied the game. But perhaps even more impressive was his improvisational ability, particularly on the ensuing two-point conversion, where he used his legs to buy time and punch it in himself.
“That was a big moment and opportunity for him,” coach Kellen Moore said after the game, via the team’s official website. “He responded really, really well. He put the team in an excellent position. Did a great job with situational football in that two-minute drive. His ability to play with his feet came up in a number of situations.”
Moore’s comments suggest a growing confidence in the rookie. While Rattler has occasionally been criticized for inconsistency and decision-making during his college years, his performance against Jacksonville seemed to reflect growth in both maturity and command of the offense.
Shough struggles to capitalize
On the other side, Tyler Shough, who earned the start, had a quieter and less inspiring outing. He completed 9-of-12 passes for 66 yards but managed only three points in the first half, failing to put together a touchdown drive. While Shough was efficient in terms of completion percentage, his throws lacked the downfield aggressiveness and explosiveness that Rattler displayed later in the game.
For a player hoping to lock down the starting role, Shough’s performance felt more like treading water than staking a claim. In a competition this tight, “solid but unspectacular” might not be enough.
Moore plays it close to the vest
Despite the clear statistical gap between the two quarterbacks on Sunday, Moore stopped short of naming a frontrunner. The first-year Saints head coach, known during his playing days for his sharp football IQ and creativity as a play-caller, has emphasized patience in letting the competition play out.
“There’s no timeline right now,” Moore said. “We’ll continue to evaluate both of them. These games and these practices are opportunities for them to show us what they can do.”
That measured approach makes sense. Handing the keys to a rookie quarterback like Rattler too quickly can be risky, especially with the pressure cooker of NFL expectations. But equally, Moore must weigh the potential upside Rattler brings compared to the steadier, but less dynamic, Shough.
For the Saints, this quarterback battle is about more than just who starts Week 1. It’s about finding the right leader for a team in transition. With Derek Carr no longer in the picture and the franchise looking to usher in a new era, Moore has the unique challenge of balancing short-term stability with long-term growth.
Rattler has the arm talent and mobility to ignite excitement and reshape the Saints’ offensive identity. His ability to extend plays, paired with a knack for attacking downfield, aligns well with Moore’s offensive philosophy. Shough, meanwhile, offers a more traditional approach, relying on rhythm passing and ball security—traits that can keep a team competitive but may lack the spark to elevate it.
As preseason winds down, every snap in practice and every drive in the remaining games will be dissected. Saints fans have seen quarterback competitions before, but few in recent memory have carried stakes quite like this one.
What comes next
The Saints’ final preseason games will likely determine the winner, though Moore has remained adamant that there’s “no rush” to name a starter. Still, the eye test—and Sunday’s box score—suggest that momentum belongs firmly to Spencer Rattler.
If he can replicate his Jacksonville performance and continue showing growth in practice, it may only be a matter of time before the Saints hand him the reins. For now, though, the battle continues, with Moore carefully watching every throw, every read, and every opportunity that arises.
One thing is clear: the future of the Saints’ quarterback position is being written right now, and Spencer Rattler is making a strong case to be the author of its next chapter.
