In May, Saints coach Kellen Moore shared his thoughts on the team’s quarterback competition. He confidently stated, “One of these guys will rise.” However, during the preseason opener, none of the three candidates took a decisive lead.
Spencer Rattler started the game and played a few series. He completed 7 of 11 passes for 53 yards and rushed for 22 yards on three attempts. Rookie Tyler Shough followed, playing six series. He had a stronger showing, completing 15 of 22 passes for 165 yards, with one touchdown but also one interception that was returned for a score. Lastly, Jake Haener wrapped things up in the fourth quarter, completing 5 of 8 passes for 41 yards and another interception.
After the game, Coach Moore commented that each quarterback had their highlights, but there were also mistakes to learn from. He particularly praised Shough for his resilience after the interception, noting that he bounced back by throwing a 54-yard touchdown pass to receiver Mason Tipton.
The quarterback race remains wide open, and with each performance, the Saints will face the challenge of naming a starter before the regular season kicks off. If they don’t settle on a leader soon, they risk starting the season with uncertainty.
Interestingly, recent surveys highlighted that fans are anxious about the quarterback situation. According to a survey by Morning Consult, nearly 65% of fans believe that establishing a clear starter is critical for a team’s success. History shows that teams often struggle when they have a quarterback carousel, as consistency can greatly impact overall performance.
The competition among these quarterbacks is not just a game of skills; it’s also a battle for trust and leadership. As the Saints move forward, they will have to make crucial decisions that can define their season. The next preseason game should shed more light on the situation and help determine who will lead the team into the regular season.
For more insights on NFL trends, you can check out a detailed report from ESPN here.
