The quarterback battle at the New Orleans Saints is growing increasingly competitive as Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener each vie for the QB1 spot ahead of the regular season. Saints head coach Kellen Moore has a good problem on his hands, and on Sunday, he devised a surprising plan to evaluate the quarterbacks: an unscripted scrimmage.
According to Saints reporter Todd Graffagnini, during the scrimmage, all three QBs had opportunities to lead the offense. As Graffagnini observed, “all made good plays and not-so-good plays.”
The unique aspect was that “no quarterback had an idea of what the play calls would be.”
Shough stood out for his ability to “make quick decisions, especially on the touchdown drive,” where he “really targeted the tight ends.”
The offense started strong in the opening half before the defense began to even things out later in the scrimmage. Wide receiver Chris Olave hauled in “several catches that moved the sticks for first downs.”
The running game was largely contained, with notable contributions including Kendre Miller’s 20-yard run and Shough’s 20-yard scramble.
On defense, defensive end Chase Young overpowered rookie left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. and impressed with two sacks in three plays.
Linebacker Nephi Sewell registered an interception “in the end zone on a pass intended for Rashid Shaheed.” Cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry, who has taken every rep at starting right corner, also intercepted a pass from Rattler.
Rookie linebacker Danny Stutsman contributed a pass breakup and a crucial tackle, stopping Cam Akers on third-and-3.
Kellen Moore has yet to decide who will be the starting quarterback, a question that continues to captivate analysts and fans alike. With Moore unveiling new plans throughout training camp, he expects one quarterback to emerge as the frontrunner soon.
