Just like the final score, the New Orleans Saints quarterback battle may be tied at the end of the day. The competition between Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough has become even tighter.
Rattler and Shough continued to audition for the starting quarterback spot, as they took on the Jacksonville Jaguars in preseason game number two. There were eyes on if Shough could close out the battle. Instead, Rattler won the day.
Though he was the winner of the day, it didn't feel like Rattler won the battle on Sunday. Going into the final preseason game, it almost feels like the race is back where it started with more information.
Shough’s stock takes a dip after a lackluster performance
After the Saints first preseason game, it certainly looked as if Shough had the slight edege in the quarterback race. He clearly had the better day of the quarterbacks in his preseason debut against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Shough was named the starter in preseason game number 2 vs the Jaguars, having an opportunity to get game reps with some of the starters. He finished the day 9 of 12, for 66 yards in 4 offensive drives.
He and the offense struggled to generate any type of rhythm, as they only converted 4 first downs in the first half. Shough's performance was unimpressive. It wasn't high quality nor poor. He did a good job of protecting the football and completing short passes, but it left the fans itching and craving more from their rookie quarterback.
Shough's stock is currently trending downwards, after a subpar match in his debut as a starter. The quarterback race has become much more tighter, giving Shough one more week to prove to the coaching staff that is capable of being the starting quarterback for the franchise in 2025.
Rattler sends strong message to Saints coaching staff
It seemed as if Rattler was slowly falling out of favor in the quarterback battle, after struggling to move the ball down the field in the preseason opener at Jacksonville. That changed on Sunday.
Rattler entered the contest in the beginning of the 2nd half and instantly gave the offense a boost. He instantly conducted drives of 78 yards and 63 yards, both resulting in field goals. He finished the contest 18/24,188 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. His only blemish was the interception that he threw in the red zone, late in the 4th quarter.
Rattler would display his resiliency on the very next drive, conducting a clutch 9 play 82 yard drive, with a touchdown pass to Dante Pettis. He also converted on the two point conversion to tie the game at 17 a piece.
Rattler had a strong performance overall, displaying his efficiency, mobility, and late game heroics to tie the game late in the 4th quarter. He was by far the best quarterback on the day and has given himself a 50-50 shot at becoming the starter, with 1 more week remaining in the preseason.