The Tyler Shough era is officially upon us. Head coach Kellen Moore is handing the keys to the New Orleans Saints' offense to their 26-year-old second-round rookie quarterback.
Consequently, Spencer Rattler gets relegated to the bench after getting the first crack under center. Whether you agree with the move or not, it's happening, though there's an argument that Moore's decision was more meritless and impulsive than warranted.
Rattler hasn't been outstanding by any stretch of the imagination. However, he's been surprisingly functional, especially following a nightmarish 2024 rookie campaign. His efforts in 2025 haven't justified a benching, which the numbers bear out.
Saints' decision to bench Spencer Rattler for Tyler Shough could prove to be a huge mistake
Out of 40 quarterbacks with at least 50 dropbacks this season, here's how Rattler ranks in the following metrics:
- 25th in passer rating (86.8)
- T-9th in scrambles (16)
- 10th in Completion Percentage Over Expectation (4.7)
- 14th in adjusted completion percentage (78.3)
- 19th in highly accurate throw rate (57.0 percent)
- 10th in catchable throw percentage (77.7)
- 17th in hero throw rate (4.3 percent)
Note: Stats courtesy of Fantasy Points' data suite ($).
Not exactly world-beating numbers, but that's not the argument we're making. Rattler has been pleasantly serviceable and even above average in some areas. His arm talent, mobility, athleticism and improvisational skills gave a typically dormant Saints scoring unit much-needed life at times.
Moore is setting a dangerous precedent, effectively telling the Saints' locker room that performance and job security don't go hand in hand. Doubt could begin to creep into players' minds, looking over their shoulders and wondering if someone will replace them at any moment.
Now, fair or not, Shough steps in with expectations of outperforming Rattler against one of football's fiercest front sevens in his inaugural NFL start. How short of a leash is the former on, assuming that doesn't come to fruition and the Saints take a step backwards? Moore's rash change might create an awkward dynamic in New Orleans.
Rattler hasn't been the problem in New Orleans so much as the team's defense has. No matter it's him or Shough, winning will continue to be difficult for a Saints squad allowing the ninth-most points per game through Week 8 (26.1).