The New Orleans Saints are in search of their starting quarterback. Is it Spencer Rattler or Tyler Shough? It's impossible to say at the moment. Kellen Moore is being very thorough with the search. The next step should be allowing Shough to start the next preseason game.
In the words of Skip Bayless, "it's my turn!" That should be the rookie's stance to starting Sunday's preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Okay, maybe Shough shouldn't come off as entitled as Bayless, but the quarterback does deserve it.
The Saints quarterback battle has narrowed to two players, if ever was three quarterbacks to begin with, Shough and Spencer Rattler. Rattler got the first start, and the smartest move is giving Shough the second start.
Tyler Shough starting on Sunday makes the most sense for the Saints QB battle
To truly evaluate the quarterback competition, both Shough and Rattler should be put in the same positions. Rattler started the first preseason game versus the Chargers. He got the benefit of playing with some of the starting offensive line for the first series. He also had the downside of facing Chargers defenders who were higher on the depth chart.
Sometimes it can be difficult to determine if a player played better because he was facing lower competition or was simply under different circumstances. It would make sense to flip the script then compare Shough and Rattler once they've been in each other's shoes.
Spencer Rattler starting against the Jaguars would send a clear message
If Rattler starts again, he’s clearly winning the battle. There’s still time for that to change. Shough could even change it on Sunday, but under these circumstances, Rattler would have the clear lead going into the game. It may be slight but it would be a lead nonetheless.
Choosing Rattler as the starter once again would insinuate the Saints don't think Shough is ready for that at this current juncture. Having this feeling going into the second preseason game certainly feels like it would lower the chances of Shough being the Week 1 starter.
Shough leading the first unit against the Jacksonville Jaguars feels like such an obvious step in this battle that going against the grain would be more notable.