Saints Training Camp Day 15: Rattler, Shough swap roles in Saints QB rotation

By Ross Jackson

IRVINE, Calif. – The New Orleans Saints held their final practice at the University of California, Irvine preparing for what will be a massive day for the team on Thursday. The Saints and the Los Angeles Rams will head to Carson, Calif. on Thursday for a joint practice session. In getting ready for what will be a large workload for the first team on both sides of the ball, the Saints went light on Wednesday holding just two team sessions and a 9-on-7 session for the first time in over a week. 

Quarterback Rotation:

Rookie Tyler Shough moved up to first team snaps while Spencer Rattler held it down with the second team to begin practice. Meanwhile, Jake Haener was with the third team.

Rattler got one extra set of reps on an end of game two-minute drive with the first team. That drive did not end the way the second-year passer had hoped. 

Rattler Summary:

While Shough was with the first team to start, it was Rattler’s two-minute drive that left a lasting impression following practice. After slinging a touchdown in red zone team drills and another in 9-on-7s, Rattler led a ten-play drive (with a couple of penalties along the way by both sides) from the opposing 40 yard-line deep into the red zone. 

Unfortunately, on what would be his final passing attempt on a third down play, he targeted wide receiver Chris Olave in the endzone only for the ball to fall into the waiting hands of safety Julian Blackmon for an interception. 

Up until that play, Rattler had a strong day. He was 11-for-15 with a touchdown during team drills with another play resulting in a touchdown (after a lateral) on an additional 4-for-4 showing in his 9-on-7 session. It’s just a tough way to end the day. 

That lateral play would still count as a passing touchdown in live action. 

Shough Summary:

Shough had a quick shovel pass for a touchdown in the red zone and was altogether clean throughout the day. No passes leapt out as particularly turnover-worthy or risky. 

His best throw was a ball to the intermediate middle of the field to tight end Juwan Johnson off of play action. He continues to be very comfortable following play fakes just like he showed against the Los Angeles Chargers in Sunday’s preseason game. 

Quarterback Stats (Running Total):

NOTE: the following stats include tracking from both team and 7s drills. 

Shough: 6/10 with one passing touchdown (106/173, eight passing touchdowns, one rushing touchdown and four interceptions)

Rattler: 15/20 with two passing touchdowns and interception (132/187, 14 passing touchdowns, three rushing touchdowns, six interceptions)

Haener: 1/3 (92/137, five passing touchdowns, two interceptions)

Attendance and Injury Updates:

Players not seen in practice include:

• CB Alontae Taylor (groin)
• TE Taysom Hill (PUP-Knee)
• S J.T. Gray (hamstring)
• DE Jasheen Davis (undisclosed)
• LG Trevor Penning (toe)
• OL Josiah Ezirim (excused absence)

Tight end Foster Moreau was seen doing very light side work with a training staff member. It was our first sign of progress for the tight end. 

Running back Devin Neal shadowed the running back group on the field for individual drills and then watched for the remainder of practice. 

Next Man Up:

Offensive lineman Dillon Radunz was in at left guard again on Wednesday in place of Penning. Safeties Terrell Burgess and Ugo Amadi saw time at nickel corner with Taylor sidelined. Amadi also saw more reps at safety, grabbing a pass break up on tight end Michael Jacobson during 9-on-7s. Amadi has remained impressive throughout camp. He notched what could have been a sack in live action on the day as well. 

Both Kickers Perfect

Both Blake Grupe and Charlie Smyth were a perfect 3-for-3 on the day. They each nailed kicks from extra point distance, 42 yards out and 48 yards out. 

Grupe’s camp total: 34/35

Smyth’s camp total: 22/35

Kai Kroeger Impresses

The punter battle rages on between young legs James Burnip and Kai Kroeger. While Burnip has the reputation of the big boot, it was Kroeger’s hang time performance that impressed. 

Kroeger’s punts:

4.35s, 4.77s, 4.75s, 4.70s, 5.07s

Burnip’s punts:

4.26s, 4.72s, 4.00s, 4.28s, 3.90s

Up Next:

The Saints and Rams will meet halfway between each of their California practice facilities in Carson, Calif. for a joint practice from 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. PT on Thursday. 

Saints head coach Kellen Moore said during his post-practice media availability that the day will include about a 60 percent workload for the first team with Rattler and Shough mixing in. 

This practice could provide some valuable insight on the quarterback battle headed into the penultimate preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

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