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Saints QB battle tracker: Tyler Shough uses explosive play to outdo Spencer Rattler in preseason opener

There aren’t many high expectations for the Saints in 2025, but the quarterback battle in New Orleans is making headlines.

The franchise has been working to fill a Hall of Fame-sized void since Drew Brees took his final snap in 2021, and the surprising 2024 retirement of Derek Carr only complicated things. As the preseason begins, all eyes will be on second-year QB Spencer Rattler and second-round pick Tyler Shough, who are expected to battle for the starting job, beginning with a trip to Los Angeles to face the Chargers.

Rattler was thrust into a precarious position as a rookie, assuming starter duties as Carr battled injury. He failed to register a win as QB1, going 0-6 in six regular-season starts, but he begins the preseason as New Orleans’ starter. Conversely, the Saints believed in Shough enough to take him with the 40th pick in this year’s draft.

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With Kellen Moore now at the helm, quarterback play will be under a different type of microscope.

As the QB battle begins, The Sporting News is tracking how performances from Rattler and Shough will impact the hierarchy of signal-callers in the Big Easy.

MORE QB COMPETITIONS

Saints QB depth chart

The Saints released an unofficial depth chart ahead of their preseason opener. On it, Rattler is listed as QB1, followed by Shough and Jake Haener.

QB Player
1 Spencer Rattler
2 Tyler Shough
3 Jake Haener

Rattler looked confident to start, first connecting with running back Kendre Miller on a nine-yard completion before a nice 21-yard completion to Cedrick Wilson Jr. on his first drive.

A muffed punt set Rattler and the Saints offense at L.A.’s 17-yard line, but New Orleans turned the ball over on downs, with Rattler’s lone highlight coming in the form of a five-yard scramble.

After another drive ended with a punt, the next possession ended with a strip sack and a turnover for Rattler.

Rattler’s final drive was not fruitful as he went 2-of-4, was sacked, and scrambled once for 11 yards. That drive also ended with a punt, ending Rattler’s time on the field.  The overarching concerns with Rattler remain an inability to feel defensive pressure and take care of the ball.

Shough was almost immediately more effective, taking over the Saints’ offense with 1:38 remaining in the first half. In the two-minute drill, Shough went 5-of-8 for 42 yards, and though he missed a potential shot at the end zone, his drive set New Orleans up to convert on a field goal before the halftime break.

The second half did not get off to as smooth a start for the rookie, who went three-and-out, netting -2 yards after being sacked on his first drive of the third quarter. The second drive spelled disaster, as Chargers rookie DB Eric Rogers jumped a route for a pick-six.

Shough showed the moxie of a veteran, returning to the field to remain poised and connect with RB Mason Tipton on a beautiful 54-yard pass for a touchdown. That was Shough’s biggest highlight of the game, as his final two drives ended with punts.

Overall, Shough was much more effective than Rattler, though it is worth noting that Shough came in late in the first half, meaning he faced defenders who are lower on L.A.’s depth chart.

Sunday’s outing may not have settled the competition, but he certainly helped his case. The battle continues next Sunday when New Orleans travels to take on the Jaguars in preseason Week 2.

Spencer Rattler stats

  • Comp/Att: 7-11
  • Yards: 53
  • TD: 0
  • INT: 0
  • Rating: 75.2
  • Sacks-Yards: 3-8
  • Fumbles: 1
  • Rush attempts: 3
  • Rush yards: 22

Spencer Rattler highlights

Highlights were limited for Rattler, but the ability to use his legs stood out.

Tyler Shough stats

  • Comp/Att: 15-22
  • Yards: 165
  • TD: 1
  • INT: 1
  • Rating: 86.4
  • Sacks-Yards: 2-12
  • Fumbles: 0
  • Rush attempts: 1
  • Rush yards: 3

MORE ROOKIE PRESEASON DEBUTS:

Tyler Shough highlights

Shough’s performance was highlighted by his 54-yard TD pass.

Here are some of his other notable moments.

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