Saints QB battle: Rattler, Shough face final audition vs. Broncos

By Ross Jackson

Saturday is the most important day of the New Orleans Saints quarterback battle. Second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler and rookie Tyler Shough have waged a tight battle throughout camp, each flashing stretches of momentum at different times.

It feels like Rattler has the momentum going into the final week of the preseason but he’ll have to continue it against the Denver Broncos to seal the deal. Meanwhile, Shough will be looking to outperform his Denver competition in order to close the gap and perhaps earn his own chance at the starting job early. 

Final Proving Ground

Both quarterbacks have the chance of a lifetime going up against Denver on Saturday as they face their final chance to win the starting role. 

Neither passer will have to shock during this game marching multiple touchdown drives, though certainly that would help the decision in their favor. But each may have some uniquely specific questions to answer or elements of their game to showcase. 

What Rattler Needs To Show

Rattler’s separating factor all offseason has been the same: consistency and willingness to use his legs. He’ll have to show more of both on Saturday afternoon. Remaining consistent, decisive and aggressive will go a long way for him. 

Showing his ability to control the huddle, run the operation cleanly and move the ball in a scoring drive (touchdown or field goal) should be enough to be a good showing. He’ll have the good opportunity of working with the healthy starters, but the slight disadvantage of going first in the rotation. 

While Shough will be able to see and respond accordingly, Rattler is charged with setting the early tone. Doing so cleanly, efficiently and with command will be imperative. 

What Shough Needs To Show

Shough will have a chance to immediately respond to what Rattler’s performance provides. He has the definitive task of working to outperform Rattler. But beyond that, showcasing his high-level passing ability without getting tentative and handling the pressure he’s sure to see from the Broncos’ depth players. 

The rookie is likely to go up against Denver’s second team to start, but the depth in the Mile High City — especially on defense — is impressive. 

If Shough can improve upon Rattler’s snaps with the starters, show that he can march a team methodically down the field and showcase some mobility along with his big arm, it may be enough to turn heads in his favor. 

Where Things Stand

It sounds like there has been some recent separation in favor of Rattler. This is a turning of the tide that was recently being controlled by Shough’s recent momentum swing. Can the rookie right the ship back in his favor? Or will Rattler hold strong in his charge? It could all come down to one last matchup against Denver.