By Ross Jackson
As training camp nears next month, there are several battles that can be expected across the New Orleans Saints roster.
The top competition that everyone will be watching closely is that of starting quarterback.
The Competitors
Second-year passer Spencer Rattler and second-round rookie Tyler Shough are both most firmly positioned to battle for the role. Third-year quarterback Jake Haener has constantly been mentioned by head coach Kellen Moore, but hasn’t yet been able to participate due to an oblique injury.
We’ll see if the two-man race gets a third contestant, but for now this battle is all about Rattler and Shough.
What It Will Take To Win
Moore has made it clear that this battle will have just as much, if not more, to do with the mental side of the game as it does with the physical moments that might make the highlight reels.
Running the operation, play calling and decision making will end up being the most important elements of this battle.
Is There A Front-Runner?
For the team, there is unlikely to be a front-runner at this point. Asking five different media members will likely yield a 3-2 split. Nothing is decided yet for this matchup.
Right now, Rattler looks to be the most prepared thanks to his year of NFL experience and additional collegiate experience with more snaps and passing attempts than Shough. To Rattler’s credit, he also has experience against SEC competition.
But on the other hand, Shough seems very much to be Moore’s hand-picked guy, giving him his own favorable edge.
This is a battle that will most assuredly be decided throughout training camp and the preseason.
