The battle between Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler is the talk of the New Orleans Saints offseason. It's the most important battle of training camp. It's the story fans are looking for an update for first when media is present at practices.
When current Saints go on television, a question about the quarterback competition is inevitably on the way. Cesar Ruiz was asked about the competition on Good Morning Football. He expressed he has a positive impression of both guys. The offensive lineman did offer an outcome many haven't thought about.
Tyler Shough doesn't have to start Week 1
Ruiz told the GMF crew, "just because we drafted a quarterback super early means you have to push him in there and play."
This would be a rather unorthodox approach for Kellen Moore to take, but it shouldn't be completely ruled out. It isn't rare to see a quarterback have to sit on the bench at the beginning of his career, especially when the quarterback isn't a first round pick.
Ruiz called back to his rookie season as an example of rookies starting their career as a spectator. "I was drafted 24th overall as an offensive lineman, and I didn't end up starting until Week 4," Ruiz said. Ruiz was drafted earlier than Shough, and there wasn't instant pressure to start.
These are not the normal circumstances for a rookie to sit and watch, however. In most situations, there's a veteran quarterback who understands how this goes. You could even sit the rookie all year with the intention of handing the reigns to your rookie in Year 2. The alternative to Shough is Rattler. That's far from a veteran on his way out the door.
What does it mean if Spencer Rattler is the Saints starting quarterback?
Rattler starting Week 1 puts the Saints in an interesting position. He'll obviously have Shough breathing down his neck, but Rattler as the starter doesn't give the Saints the luxury of making the switch at any moment, independent of performance. Rattler's youth should give him the starting role until he proves he is undeserving of it.
It's important to note, the most likely route to Rattler starting is if he beats out Shough in the training camp competition. It may be a sign Shough isn't ready, but Rattler isn't starting just to give Shough time to watch. He'd be starting because he showed himself to be the better quarterback prior to the season.
Even in this hypothetical, things could change once the season begins. You always have the option to turn to Shough. If Shough starts, though, it'll be hard to go to Rattler. That opens the door for playing hot potato at starter.
Once Shough is the starter, he is the starter. Starting on the bench could delay that or stop it all together, depending on Rattler's performance. Regardless, that route would provide you with flexibility, if you wanted it.
It would rightfully raise eyebrows. It would certainly invite scrutiny. Production is only way to justify the decision either way. Ruiz is right about one thing. It's an option on the table.