Tyler Shough vs. Spencer Rattler: Kellen Moore gives surprising QB battle update after second preseason game

New Orleans Saints coach Kellen Moore is still not ready to name a starting quarterback, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. There is currently an ongoing competition between second-year player Spencer Rattler and rookie Tyler Shough.

Rattler started the first preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers, while Shough got the start on Sunday in the second preseason game against Jacksonville. The second-round pick out of Louisville finished that contest 9-of-12 passing for 66 yards and was sacked twice.

Shough had a much better performance in the first preseason game when he took over for Rattler midway through the second quarter. He finished that contest 15-of-22 passing for 165 yards yards and one touchdowns to one interception. However, that interception was brought back for a touchdown.

Rattler brings some experience for the Saints after starting six games for the team in 2024, incluing the final three. He failed to lead the team to a single win in any of those start, however, finishing with 1,317 yards passing and four touchdowns to five interceptions.

In Rattler’s start in the first preseason game, he finished 7-of-11 passing for 53 yards. His numbers were better off the bench this past Sunday as he finished 18-of-24 passing for 199 yards and one touchdown to one interception.

It’s unclear what New Orleans’ plan is for its final preseason game against the Denver Broncos on Saturday. One would expect that both Rattler and Shough will get an opportunity to show what they can do, with it serving as one last tryout of sorts for the job.

The Saints are looking to bounce back coming off of a 5-12 season that saw them part ways with coach Dennis Allen and hire Moore from the Philadelphia Eagles. New Orleans will kick off the 2025 regular season on Sept. 7 against the Arizona Cardinals.

Tyler Shough speaks on opportunity to compete for starting job

Based on his performance from Sunday, Shough is already making a solid case for himself to start. The Saints are looking toward the future after the retirement of Derek Carr and Shough spoke on what it means to have a chance to start as a rookie.

“That’s all you can ask for is an opportunity, at any position,” Shough said in May, via the team’s website. “And I’m going to treat it the same way, as if whoever is on the roster, I’ve got to continue to grow and get better and do my best to elevate the QB room and the team. For me, I was going to come in regardless of (Carr) being here or not and try and continue to grow.

“I think he’s been such a high-level player for so long, I think it would be a great opportunity to learn from him. It’s also a great opportunity to grow myself and be on this team with a lot of great coaches and guys on the team that we have already. I’m just excited for what’s (next) and the rest of our offseason.”