Michael Bacigalupi
By Ross Jackson
NEW ORLEANS, La. – Anyone tuning in with the hopes of seeing some fireworks from the New Orleans Saints’ offensive starters against the Denver Broncos didn’t quite get it. Fans mostly had to wait until the fourth quarter to see some real excitement provided by rookie quarterback Tyler Shough.
The Saints’ starting defense however, sans some undisciplined moments leading to penalties, impressed a bit with their new look and approach.
THE STORY
If the Saints were hoping that the quarterback competition decision would be made easy on Saturday, it definitely wasn’t. And for all the wrong reasons. Neither quarterback stood out against the Broncos, until Shough led a late touchdown drive, running one in himself from 11 yards out.
Whether that one drive was enough to move Tyler Shough ahead of Spencer Rattler is debatable, but outside of it both quarterbacks struggled, hindered by multiple drops.
Any decision that head coach Kellen Moore and the Saints’ staff makes about the starting role from here will be based on the overall collection of work this offseason more than anything that stood out Saturday. Rattler came in with a lead, we’ll see if Shough’s touchdown drive was enough to change that.
THE PLAYS
KB been eatin’ 🍽️
📺 @FOX8NOLA pic.twitter.com/s2rV5BuOpR
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 23, 2025
Our ball ‼️
📺: My20 pic.twitter.com/l5TssIHI85
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) August 23, 2025
QUINCY RILEY INTERCEPTION 💥
📺 @FOX8NOLA pic.twitter.com/pjHPLWNUHS
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 23, 2025
Read option? KEEP IT AND RUN
📺 @FOX8NOLA pic.twitter.com/CZwdLMcPzX
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 23, 2025
THE STATS
- Quarterback Spencer Rattler completed five of his eight passes for 43 passing yards and a 76.6 passer rating. He also had one rush for no gain.
- Quarterback Tyler Shough completed 12 of his 20 passing attempts for 102 passing yards and a 73.3 passer rating. He also ran twice for 20 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.
- Rookie running back Devin Neal had a pleasant debut converting several first downs with seven total touches and 30 combined rushing and receiving yards.
- Rookie safety Jonas Sanker tied for the lead in tackles with cornerback Rejzohn Wright with nine combined each.
- Defensive linemen Jasheed Davis, Khristian Boyd and Jonah Williams each notched a sack.
- The Saints’ lone takeaway of the game came on an interception by rookie cornerback Quincy Riley.
- Safety Ugo Amadi flashed from the nickel with several pressures as a blitzer, however, picking up with no sacks in the process. This is a clear indication that starting nickel corner Alontae Taylor will be asked to do the same.
THE INJURIES
Offensive lineman Landon Young went down with an injury in the second quarter. As he fell to the ground on a run play, Young appeared to grab for his right ankle. He was carted off after being tended to on the field for some time.
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