The possible future of the New Orleans Saints passing attack spent the weekend in Oregon getting reps in together. Tyler Shough had a throwing session with Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed and Brandin Cooks.
Jake Haener and Hunter Dekkers were also present, but, of course, eyes were on Shough. The second round pick is in a fight with Spencer Rattler for the starting quarterback role. Rattler wasn't present, but one throwing session isn't going to separate the two in the battle. Rattler has been building chemistry with most of these receivers for a year now.
The group will have another throwing session in Dallas before training camp. This is highly beneficial for Shough. Getting familiarity with his receivers prior to training camp should help improve their connection.
Tyler Shough and Brandin Cooks worked together to make this happen
As a quarterback, Shough is going to get most of the credit. That honor may deserve to go to Brandin Cooks, however. Shough discussed the workouts before they happened saying, "we're getting a good group together. It's Brandin Cooks kind of leading that charge."
Shough continued to praise the wide receiver. "He's such a great influence, just on the whole team, offensively-wise," Shough said about Cooks.
As far as this workout goes, NewOrleans.Football's Nick Underhill reported Cooks gathered the group and Shough scripted the throwing sessions. This was a true joint effort from two guys who are new to the team.
Why wasn't Spencer Rattler in attendance?
Rattler is the only Saints quarterback who wasn't present at the workout. Rattler has shown himself as a hard worker and leader this offseason, so his absence was surprising. Turns out he already had prior obligations to host his third annual football camp in Columbia, S.C.
Columbia is the home of Rattler's alma mater, University of South Carolina, and it means a lot to Rattler. Rattler still has fans come up to him with their favorite memories of his career as he walks the streets. The love from fans one of the things Rattler appreciates about being back in Columbia.
Rattler is on his third year running the camp, and it doesn't seem like he has any plans on stopping. He told reporters, "I want to come back here each year and give back to the kids. That's what it's about." There was simply no way Rattler was going to pass on the event.
The camp may have prevented Rattler from joining the group in Oregon, but he should be able to make the trip to Dallas.