The New Orleans Saints have a decision to make between Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough. Who will start for New Orleans at quarterback in Week 1? It may not be the same answer for the remainder of the season, but the journey starts against the Arizona Cardinals
Spencer Rattler opened up the preseason finale with the starters, and Shough came in with the second unit. This alone would say Rattler had the slight edge going into the game. His mission: retain his lead. Shough's mission: make one last surge for the starting role.
Coaches now have three preseason games and a ton of practices to base their decision on. From what the public was able to see, there isn't a clear cut winner. At Who Dat Dish, we're split on what the Saints should do. Here's what each of our writers would do if they had to make the decision.
Spencer Rattler vs. Tyler Shough. Who should the Saints start?
Darrion Gray- start Rattler in Week 1
Spencer Rattler should be the Saints Week 1 starter. Neither Spencer Rattler or Tyler Shough has ran away with the competition. Despite being given three preseason games, it doesn’t feel like either guy truly claimed the spot. That’s the last thing you wanted to see in the battle, but someone has to be named the starter. Rattler has been seen as the better player through most of the offseason. If he was in the lead, Shough didn’t make many moves to steal that position.
Tramell Jeffers- Shough's last drive tipped the scales
The coaching staff will have a very difficult decision to make, as they will crown their leader over the course of the week. Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough both finished the preseason with similar statistics, but Shough’s 11 yard touchdown run on an 11 play 77 yard drive might’ve been the deciding factor. That touchdown helped him take the lead in the total touchdown category for the preseason. Shough has done just enough to for the Saints hand him the keys week 1.
Drew Collings- Rattler... for now
If I had to pick a starting quarterback it would be Spencer Rattler. I fully believe that the Saints will hand the keys to Tyler Shough at some point during the year, but not on week one. Both quarterbacks need time to develop, but Rattler has the edge with his extra offseason. This decision isn’t easy whatsoever for Kellen Moore, each player has their own advantages and disadvantages, but I believe he will opt for Spencer Rattler.