Kellen Moore gets the final say on who will be the New Orleans Saints starting quarterback in the season opener. It's difficult to say there's an obvious answer between Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough, unless you ask Tyler Shough.
Shough told reporters after the game against the Denver Broncos that he'd pick himself as the Week 1 starter if it was up to him. What a surprise.
What other answer would you expect from an active participant in the battle? Shough is supposed to have that confidence in himself. Truthfully, the battle has been such a toss up through this entire process that he's justified in this belief beyond simply being confident. The rookie points to his growth as a major reason he's earned this opportunity
Tyler Shough has already seen a lot of growth in his game through the preseason
Shough highlighted the things he's done well throughout training camp and preseason. He believes what he's "put on tape continually throughout the call periods, throughout the games, just kind of have the steady growth, the operation" should earn him the starting role.
Shough understands the decision isn't in his hands, but he tells the media "I feel like that has been enough" when reflecting on those traits. Growth is going to be important as he is just a rookie, but it's also important to note his growth will carry into the season. That includes mistakes, setbacks and hopefully some triumphs and successes.
The rookie is ready to go through it all and go through it all immediately. "I feel really comfortable going in to week to week and I'm just excited to get to work on Arizona and see what we're going to do," Shough said after Saturday's game.
It will be interesting to see if Moore decides to go with Shough. It does feel like the rookie has taken steps forward through this process, and that's what you're looking for. Whether or not that is enough for the Shough era to start in two weeks remains to be seen.