New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore named rookie Tyler Shough as the starting quarterback for Sunday’s second preseason game versus the Jacksonville Jaguars. Moore made the announcement Saturday following practice, confirming Shough will lead the offense at Caesars Superdome.
Preseason Debut: Mixed Outcomes
Shough entered the preseason opener against the Chargers and sparked a scoring drive, but also threw a pick-six. He completed 15 of 22 passes for 165 yards, including one touchdown and one interception returned for a score. Shough battled through ups and downs, but the touchdown pass was the offensive highlight of the game for New Orleans in their 27-13 loss.
Saints fans were encouraged by the flashes of potential shown by the second-round pick.
Competition Still Alive
Second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler, who started against Los Angeles, is still in the hunt. Rattler finished 7-of-11 passing for 53 yards in an uneven performance last week. Following the team’s joint practice with the Rams on Thursday, Moore stated that the Saints don’t have a specific timetable for making their decision.
“We want to give these guys as many opportunities as they can because they’re younger guys,” Moore said. “They need experience, they need exposure.”
Pressure and Evaluation Loom Large
Moore has emphasized that dealing with pressure in the pocket will be a big part of the evaluation. He wants to be sure that his quarterbacks are “going through the right process.” With a new offensive staff and a revamped offensive line, poise is a necessary quality. How Shough and Rattler handle live pass rush under duress will shape the quarterback decision.
Shough’s ability to read pressure and avoid mistakes will be scrutinized. The offensive line rotation also faces evaluation as coaches test depth pieces like rookie tackle Kelvin Banks Jr.
Saints quarterbacks were sacked five times against the Chargers.
Jaguars Present Defensive Test
The Saints host the Jaguars at noon on Sunday. The teams have played three times in the preseason, with New Orleans holding a 2-1 series advantage. Jacksonville won the most recent meeting in 2019.
Last week, the Jaguars opened the preseason with a 31-25 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Jacksonville’s defense finished near the bottom of the league in passing yards allowed last season. That weakness creates an opportunity for Shough. The Jaguars allowed 241.4 passing yards per game, ranking 26th in the NFL. New Orleans expects improved efficiency after a 239-yard passing total with two interceptions against the Chargers.
The Jaguars may rest several starters, including quarterback Trevor Lawrence, but the defense should offer valuable reps for the Saints’ rookies.
This game offers another opportunity for one of the signal callers to emerge. Shough leads with early promise, but Rattler remains in the mix. With the regular season opener approaching on Sept. 7, Moore and the Saints are looking for one to move ahead in the quarterback battle.
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