The New Orleans Saints have yet to land on their starting quarterback. Is it Tyler Shough or Spencer Rattler? That answer could be found as early as Sunday afternoon when the Saints take on the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Going into the preseason opener, it felt like Rattler had the opportunity to end the battle with a strong performance. Unfortunately, his first preseason game had the opposite effect. While it wasn't the worst thing you'll ever see, Rattler struggled to move the offense down the field. There was nothing special from his day.
To make matters worse, Shough did have something special from his day. The pick-six kept the rookie's day from being special, but the long touchdown pass to Mason Tipton was a special moment. Shough picked up some steam, and it feels like he at least closed the gap walking out of last week. In Week 2, he has the potential to close the battle.
Tyler Shough could win the Saints QB battle with a standout performance vs. Jaguars
The same could be said for Spencer Rattler. If either quarterback is noticeably better than the other, then the coaches could decide they've seen enough. Shough is specified for two reasons, though. He should be playing with the starting unit, and his trajectory is more in line with this scenario.
Shough has been picking up steam in the latest practices. Since going out to California, it feels like the rookie has been putting it together on a daily basis. The critical word there is rookie. There always should have been an expectation that he'd need to ramp up. With the spotlight on the quarterback battle, we've seen the ramp up in real time.
Rattler has been steady, but it feels like Shough is improving. That doesn't necessarily mean Shough has passed him, but it's a sign of an upward trajectory. That's what the you want to be in a battle at this moment, an ascending quarterback. There's no question Shough is rising at the right moment.
Also, if Shough has the better game, he likely did it with the starting unit. That also comes with facing better competition. Shough already looked better in the first game. Looking better in the second game has nail in the coffin potential.
If the gap is noticeable, wrap it up. Shough should be named the starting quarterback heading into the final preseason game. The team would love to name a starter as soon as possible, and that would give them the chance without rushing the decision.