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Saints QB change highlights 23-3 loss to Buccaneers

Oct 26, 2025 | 6:12 PM

Michael Bacigalupi

By Ross Jackson

NEW ORLEANS, La. – Coming out of a 23-3 loss in front of their home fans, the conversation around the New Orleans Saints isn’t likely to center around the score or the opposing Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Instead, the dominant storyline will be all about the quarterback.

The Story

A changing of the guard for the Saints will likely dominate the airways after this one. In the third quarter, the Saints sent starting quarterback Spencer Rattler to the bench after a two-turnover first half (one interception and one fumble lost). Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough’s day wasn’t much better with an interception himself that went off the hands of wide receiver Chris Olave. However, the Louisville product had some flashy moments that are sure to cause a stir.

The hope for the Saints, should they stick with Shough moving forward, will be that a week of practice and preparation as the starter will provide a jolt to the offense. 

The New Orleans offense was nothing short of pitiful throughout the game. With numerous drops, fumbles and no downfield attack or run game to speak of, the Saints’ finished the game with just three points and a lot to continue to work on over the next week.

It will be interesting to see if New Orleans gives Rattler another starting chance against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 9 or if they choose to completely turn things over to their rookie passer.

The Stats

  • This game was the first this season in which New Orleans did not allow any points in the first quarter.
  • Saints running back Alvin Kamara became the first player in NFL history with 600 or more rushing attempts and receptions with a single team. 
  • Rattler’s six turnovers over six quarters was ultimately his undoing for this game. Otherwise he completed 15 of his 21 passing attempts for 136 passing yards and was sacked three times.
  • Shough completed 17 of his 30 attempts for 128 passing yards and was sacked twice.
  • The Saints’ ran for just 48 rushing yards with 24 coming from quarterbacks.
  • Defensive end Chase Young finished the game with 1.5 sacks, a fumble forced and a fumble recovered along with four combined tackles, one for a loss.

The Plays

The Injuries

  • Cornerback Alontae Taylor was briefly evaluated in the injury tent and returned to action.
  • Defensive tackle Bryan Bresee was also evaluated in the fourth quarter. He and linebacker Isaiah Stalbird appeared to collide during a late third down play.
  • Wide receiver Rashid Shaheed was also tended to shortly on the field, but went to the sideline under his own power.
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