New Orleans Saints QB Battle: Spencer Rattler vs. Tyler Shough for Starting Job in August 2024

Tyler Shough played 29 snaps in the recent pre-season game, more than Spencer Rattler's 28 snaps, as the Saints QB competition continues.
By Newsroom | NFL, New Orleans |

A period of uncertainty grips the New Orleans Saints as the team navigates a critical juncture in its quarterback selection process. With the regular season approaching, the Saints' decision on who will lead their offense carries significant weight, impacting team performance and strategic direction. The ongoing competition, marked by pre-season performances, presents a complex scenario for coaches and fans alike.

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The Quarterback Competition Unfolds

The New Orleans Saints are in the midst of a pronounced quarterback battle, with Spencer Rattler, rookie Tyler Shough, and Jake Haener vying for the starting position. This competition has been a central focus during the team's pre-season activities.

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  • Snap Counts: In a recent pre-season game, Shough received the most offensive snaps with 29, followed closely by Rattler with 28. Haener saw significantly fewer snaps, with nine.

  • Performance Highlights: Shough was responsible for the Saints' only touchdown drive, marked by a 54-yard touchdown pass. He also led a drive that resulted in a field goal. Haener was at the helm for the Saints' other field goal march.

  • Starting Roles: Head coach Kellen Moore officially named Spencer Rattler as the starting quarterback for the team's first pre-season game. However, Moore has indicated that the starting role for subsequent games, including the regular season opener, is not yet decided and could involve a different quarterback.

Player Backgrounds and Perceived Strengths

Each quarterback brings a distinct profile to the competition, shaped by past experiences and perceived potential.

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  • Spencer Rattler: A second-year player, Rattler was the primary backup to Jake Haener last season. He is seen by some analysts as the presumptive starter entering training camp, with others noting Shough is a strong contender. Rattler has been described as having a chance for a "second chance to showcase his talent in a starting role."

  • Tyler Shough: As a rookie, Shough is younger but also faces challenges related to his age and injury history. He will turn 26 in September, which some see as a factor given the limited development time for an NFL rookie. Despite this, his pre-season performance, including a long touchdown pass, has been noted.

  • Jake Haener: A third-year quarterback, Haener has received fewer snaps in recent pre-season action, suggesting he may be further down the depth chart in the current evaluation.

Strategic Considerations for the Saints' Coaching Staff

The Saints' coaching staff faces the task of balancing immediate performance needs with long-term player development.

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  • Roster Decisions: Projections suggest the Saints will typically carry three or four running backs on their active roster. The quarterback position is projected to have three players on the roster, with Rattler and Shough being key figures. It's possible that one of the three quarterbacks could be placed on the practice squad.

  • Head Coach's Approach: Kellen Moore's approach to naming a pre-season starter suggests a deliberate evaluation process. The indication that the starter for the first game does not guarantee the Week 1 starting job signals a strategy of thorough assessment before a final decision.

Expert and Media Perspectives

Analysts and media outlets have offered varying viewpoints on the quarterback situation.

  • Bleacher Report's Take: Analyst Moe Moton believes Spencer Rattler is "nipping at the rookie's heels," suggesting a close contest for the starting job.

  • Sporting News Analysis: Sporting News has predicted that the Saints might bench rookie Tyler Shough in favor of Spencer Rattler, citing Rattler's status as a "record-setting quarterback" and the perceived need for the Saints to utilize Rattler's experience.

  • Drew Brees' Involvement: Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees has reportedly offered his analysis on the team's quarterback room, indicating the significance of this position to those connected with the franchise.

Unanswered Questions and Future Outlook

While the pre-season offers glimpses of potential, several key questions remain regarding the Saints' quarterback situation.

  • Consistency and Development: Will Rattler demonstrate consistent performance throughout the pre-season and into the regular season? Can Shough, despite his age and injury concerns, develop rapidly enough to become a viable starter or backup?

  • Roster Management: How will the team ultimately decide on its final quarterback depth chart, and what impact will this have on player morale and team strategy?

  • Offensive Line Dynamics: Alongside the quarterback battle, the right tackle position on the offensive line is also noted as an area with remaining questions, highlighting broader offensive challenges.

The Saints' ongoing evaluation of their quarterback talent will be a central storyline as the pre-season progresses. The performances in upcoming games are crucial for coaches to gather definitive data to inform their ultimate decision, which will shape the team's offensive identity for the forthcoming season.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is competing to be the New Orleans Saints' starting quarterback in August 2024?
Spencer Rattler, rookie Tyler Shough, and Jake Haener are competing for the starting quarterback job. Tyler Shough got the most snaps (29) in a recent game, followed by Spencer Rattler (28).
Q: What happened in the recent pre-season game for the Saints' quarterbacks?
Tyler Shough led the team's only touchdown drive and another drive for a field goal. Jake Haener was involved in a drive that resulted in a field goal. Spencer Rattler also played snaps but did not lead a scoring drive.
Q: Has the Saints' head coach named a starting quarterback for the regular season?
Head coach Kellen Moore named Spencer Rattler the starter for the first pre-season game. However, he has stated that the starting role for later games and the regular season opener is not yet decided and could go to another quarterback.
Q: What are the backgrounds of the main competing quarterbacks?
Spencer Rattler is in his second year and was the backup last season. Tyler Shough is a rookie who will turn 26 in September and has shown promise with a long touchdown pass. Jake Haener is in his third year but has had fewer snaps recently.
Q: What do experts think about the Saints' quarterback competition?
Some analysts believe Spencer Rattler is close to winning the job, while others predict the Saints might bench rookie Tyler Shough for Rattler due to his experience. Drew Brees has also reportedly offered his opinion on the situation.