Tyler Shough may have fell short against Spencer Rattler in competition to be the New Orleans Saints starting quarterback, but at least he has the honor of having the play of the day as we countdown to the Saints kickoff. At Who Dat Dish, we consider that to be quite the honor. The Saints have their first game of the season against the Arizona Cardinals in 11 days, so let's look back at Shough's 11-yard touchdown run against the Denver Broncos.
Shough scored the final touchdown of the Saints preseason slate and emphatically pointed into a camera as he scored. He faked the handoff and there was no defender in sight. That was the last snap of his preseason, and it was a strong statement.
Not only was it a strong statement to close the preseason, it should be a sign of things to come for the Saints. Even with Rattler as the starting quarterback, the Saints should continue to utilize their quarterback's legs.
Saints need to use their quarterback's legs
This didn't seem to be a great part of the gameplan when Rattler was in the game, but it wouldn't be surprising to see that change. And it should. It doesn't matter if it's Rattler who is playing or if Shough eventually steps in, the Saints should make use of the quarterback's legs.
Both Rattler and Shough are decent athletes. If you compare their 40-yard dashes, it's a big gap. Shough ran a 4.63, while Rattler ran a 4.95. While that is an undeniably big difference, Kellen Moore isn't hearing any of it. Moore called Rattler, "the fakest 4.9 ever." That is coming from someone who ran a 4.94. I think it's safe to say Moore knows what the speed looks like.
You look at Rattler's ability to use his legs during the game, and he's shown you enough to say he should do it more. He's not a blazer, but he runs well enough to involve him in read option and RPO opportunities. If a defender chases that running back, Shough isn't the only quarterback on the team with the speed to take advantage of it.