sports and game - The New Orleans Saints are taking an unusually patient approach with their quarterback decision, becoming the last NFL team to name a starter as the competition between Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattle...
r continues into the final week of training camp.
Head coach Kellen Moore has emphasized the remarkably close nature of the competition, with both quarterbacks posting nearly identical statistics through the preseason. Rattler has completed 71.4% of his passes for 252 yards, while Shough has connected on 70.6% of his attempts for 231 yards, with each quarterback throwing one touchdown and one interception.
The extended competition reflects both the Saints' thoroughness in making this crucial decision and the genuine difficulty in separating two talented young quarterbacks. Rattler, a former five-star recruit who transferred from Oklahoma to South Carolina, has shown the arm talent that made him one of college football's most highly-touted prospects. Shough, who played at Oregon and Texas Tech, has demonstrated improved decision-making and command of the offense.
This quarterback battle takes on added significance given the Saints' recent history and current roster construction. The team has assembled a talented supporting cast, including star receivers Chris Olave and Michael Thomas, along with versatile running back Alvin Kamara. The winner of this competition will inherit an offense capable of competing immediately in the NFC South.
Moore's methodical approach to the decision also reflects the modern NFL's emphasis on thorough evaluation of young quarterbacks. With the financial implications of quarterback contracts and the importance of the position, teams are increasingly careful about these decisions.
Head coach Kellen Moore has emphasized the remarkably close nature of the competition, with both quarterbacks posting nearly identical statistics through the preseason. Rattler has completed 71.4% of his passes for 252 yards, while Shough has connected on 70.6% of his attempts for 231 yards, with each quarterback throwing one touchdown and one interception.
The extended competition reflects both the Saints' thoroughness in making this crucial decision and the genuine difficulty in separating two talented young quarterbacks. Rattler, a former five-star recruit who transferred from Oklahoma to South Carolina, has shown the arm talent that made him one of college football's most highly-touted prospects. Shough, who played at Oregon and Texas Tech, has demonstrated improved decision-making and command of the offense.
This quarterback battle takes on added significance given the Saints' recent history and current roster construction. The team has assembled a talented supporting cast, including star receivers Chris Olave and Michael Thomas, along with versatile running back Alvin Kamara. The winner of this competition will inherit an offense capable of competing immediately in the NFC South.
Moore's methodical approach to the decision also reflects the modern NFL's emphasis on thorough evaluation of young quarterbacks. With the financial implications of quarterback contracts and the importance of the position, teams are increasingly careful about these decisions.