Shough’s Star Ascends as the New Orleans Saints’ quarterback competition intensifies. Tyler Shough, a rookie quarterback, has reportedly surpassed Spencer Rattler in the pecking order following the team’s preseason opener against the Los Angeles Chargers. While both quarterbacks experienced an “underwhelming” performance in the 27-13 defeat, Shough’s showing has positioned him as a potential frontrunner for the Saints.
Preseason Performance: A Turning Point
The preseason game served as a critical proving ground for the quarterbacks vying for a spot on the Saints’ roster. According to CBSSports.com, Tyler Shough outshone Spencer Rattler, despite neither quarterback delivering a stellar performance. The game highlighted both strengths and weaknesses in their respective games, providing valuable insights for the coaching staff.
Shough’s Showing
Tyler Shough, the 25-year-old rookie, completed 15 of 22 passes for 165 yards. While his stat line includes a pick-six, he quickly rebounded with a long touchdown pass, demonstrating resilience and arm strength. CBSSports.com also noted that Shough was sacked twice during the game, indicating areas for improvement in his pocket presence and offensive line protection.
Rattler’s Struggles
Spencer Rattler, who started the game, completed 7 of 11 passes for 53 yards. He was sacked three times, a statistic that underscores the offensive line’s challenges and Rattler’s ability to evade pressure. Rattler’s performance, while not disastrous, lacked the spark needed to solidify his position atop the depth chart.
Training Camp Buzz and Shifting Momentum
Prior to the preseason game, reports from various sources painted a picture of a dynamic quarterback battle. Shough’s recent performance builds on earlier reports that suggested he was gaining ground in training camp. Rattler, meanwhile, had previously expressed confidence in his abilities, but the preseason game appears to have shifted the momentum.
Shough Turning Heads
Sports Illustrated reported that Tyler Shough was “turning heads” in training camp. This suggests that Shough’s progress extends beyond the preseason game and reflects a consistent upward trajectory in his development. His ability to impress coaches and teammates in practice has likely contributed to his rise in the quarterback competition.
Rattler’s Confidence
Earlier training camp reports from NBC Sports highlighted Spencer Rattler’s confidence and momentum. Rattler had even stated that he was the “best quarterback on the field,” reflecting his belief in his abilities and potential. However, the preseason game performance seems to have tempered that confidence, at least in the eyes of observers.
The Quarterback Battle: Narrowing Down
The Saints’ quarterback competition initially included Jake Haener. However, recent reports suggest that the competition has now narrowed down to Shough and Rattler. This indicates that the coaching staff is focusing on evaluating these two quarterbacks more closely as they make decisions about the team’s future.
Shough vs. Rattler: A Tale of Two Quarterbacks
The contrasting styles and experiences of Shough and Rattler make for a compelling quarterback battle. Shough, the older rookie, brings a combination of experience and potential, while Rattler, a former highly-touted prospect, is looking to revitalize his career. The Saints coaching staff will need to carefully weigh the strengths and weaknesses of each quarterback as they make their final decision.
The Importance of Preseason Performance
While training camp performance is valuable, preseason games provide a more realistic assessment of a quarterback’s ability to perform under pressure. The Saints’ preseason opener against the Chargers offered a glimpse into how Shough and Rattler handle game situations, make reads, and execute plays. This real-game evaluation is crucial in determining who will ultimately emerge as the team’s preferred option.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Saints’ Quarterbacks?
The Saints’ quarterback situation remains fluid, and the coming weeks will be critical in determining the final outcome. Shough and Rattler will continue to compete for playing time and opportunities to showcase their skills. The coaching staff will be closely monitoring their progress, evaluating their performance in practice and future preseason games.
Tyler Shough’s emergence represents a significant development in the Saints’ quarterback competition. His performance in the preseason opener, coupled with positive reports from training camp, has positioned him as a strong contender for a prominent role on the team. While Spencer Rattler still possesses talent and potential, he will need to elevate his game to regain the momentum he once had. The coming weeks will be decisive as the Saints coaching staff makes critical decisions about the future of their quarterback position.
