‘There’s no doubt who they want to start’ — NFL analyst believes the Saints revealed which QB they want to win the competition for Week 1 originally appeared on A to Z Sports.
While much of the national media laughs at the quarterback competition for the New Orleans Saints, first-year head coach is actually trying to navigate which option gives his team the best chance to win games. Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough seem to be the most likely winners, but only one will secure the job by the regular season opener.
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Saints QB competition between Shough and Rattler ramps up
The first week of the preseason had a mixed bag of results for the quarterback competition in New Orleans. Spencer Rattler’s outing had a few bright moments, but the offense sputtered fairly consistently. That was partially due to offensive line issues and a lack of playmakers around the young quarterback, but Rattler did not show too much that the Saints did not see while he started last year.
Meanwhile, rookie QB Tyler Shough had a rollercoaster outing as well, but there were more impressive moments than lapses. Shough threw a pick-six early in his appearance, but he bounced back quickly. Shough looked composed, moved around well, and threw a long touchdown to Mason Tipton. One NFL analyst believes that Shough was pinpointed as the clear hopeful for the coaching staff to win the job.
“If you watched that game yesterday there’s no doubt who they want to start the season. There’s no doubt.” — Chris Simms
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Shough did get a bulk of the playing time for New Orleans. That felt notable. He was fairly efficient through the air as well and pushed the ball downfield a bit more consistently than either Rattler or Jake Haener. Shough was 15/22 for 165 passing yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Rattler was 7/11 for 53 passing yards.
Simms’ belief he could also relate to how much the Saints got Shough moving around on passing plays. That plays into his athleticism that showed up as a positive trait in college as well. The play-calling just seemed to help the rookie show the best aspects of his QB profile.
Getting a look at either QB in game action with a starting offensive line and playmakers at running back and wide receiver could prove most useful. That may not come to fruition until the regular season begins, though. The Saints will have to name a starter ahead of then and could do it as early as this weekend.
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Regardless, Shough seemingly made some strides and could have improved his stock when it comes to winning the job for Kellen Moore. Impressing this weekend against the Jacksonville Jaguars could be the next step to officially supplanting Rattler as the starter.
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This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Aug 12, 2025, where it first appeared.