Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
METAIRIE, La. — It’s over. The New Orleans Saints have called their quarterback competition in favor of second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler.
After weeks of training camp and three preseason games worth of evaluations along with a joint practice against the Los Angeles Rams, head coach Kellen Moore made the announcement during a surprise Tuesday media availability.
“Experience is really, really valuable,” Moore said. “(Rattler) went through some challenging things last year. To be able to come out of that a better player and respond all offseason is a testament to him.”
Rattler led an impressive two-minute drive at the end of the preseason Jacksonville Jaguars matchup. He also converted the two-point try necessary to force a 17-17 tie with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
During the preseason he completed 69.8% of his passes (30/43) for 295 passing yards, a passing touchdown and an interception. He looked strong throughout camp processing quickly and operating the offense with reliability.
Of course, the battle for Week One is only just that: a battle for Week One. Rattler and his rookie competition Tyler Shough will continue to jostle for position throughout the regular season. Though Moore has made it clear that the team plans to rally around the guy they chose.
With that, Rattler gets to enjoy the first win of the ongoing duel as the regular season Week One starter against the Arizona Cardinals.
