By Ross Jackson
Early in the OTA process, New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler got off to a fast start in the starting quarterback competition against rookie Tyler Shough.
The battle is sure to narrow as both passers get more comfortable in head coach Kellen Moore’s new offense. As they run more of the plays, work with more of the veterans and get into full team work, things will become more familiar and therefore more comfortable.
Right now, what separates the two most impact fully is Rattler’s experience.
The Experience Gap
Oftentimes when the experience conversation pops up between Rattle and Shough, it centers around pro experience. The conversation makes sense. Rattler has had a year more in the NFL than Shough, Rattler has taken pro snaps while Shough hasn’t and Rattler has started six games in the league as compared to Shough’s rookie status.
But truly, the experience gap goes a bit further.
Collegiate Experience Makes A Difference
While Shough spent seven years at the collegiate level to Rattler’s five, Shough has seen fewer overall snaps and has attempted fewer passes than Rattler. In fact, he’s short of both counts by about nearly a season’s worth.
Career Offensive Snaps (College)
Shough: 2,048
Rattler: 2,676
Difference: 628 snaps
Career Passing Attempts (College)
Shough: 952
Rattler: 1,325
Difference: 373 attempts
This means that not only does Rattler have the edge in NFL experience, he also has the edge in collegiate reps. This may explain why Rattler looked so much more decisive, fast-processing, and precise in front of the media during Thursday’s OTA practice.
It’s no fault of Shough’s. It’s instead simple math. Rattler’s experience will give him an edge. And maintaining that edge will be key in landing the starting role. Meanwhile for Shough, he’ll need to show more progress in a quicker manner in order to claim his spot.
The Next Steps
Both can pull away at any time. No decisions are being made through OTAs. And they do play for the same team after all is said and done, so making the right decision will be more about choosing the best player than anything else.
But for now, Rattler’s advantage is his experience and the comfort it provides. Holding a lead over another talented player will be all about maintaining that advantage and continuing to progress at the same time.
