The New Orleans Saints wrapped up their 2025 preseason with a 28–19 loss to the Denver Broncos, finishing 0–2–1. While the final score was disappointing, the bigger story remains the unsettled quarterback competition. Spencer Rattler and rookie Tyler Shough continue to battle for the starter’s job, and Sunday’s game did little to clarify who will be under center when the regular season begins against the Arizona Cardinals on September 7.
Rattler’s Early Attempts
Rattler started the game and once again showed flashes of the talent that had made him the frontrunner for the job. He completed 5 of 8 passes for 43 yards, orchestrating drives that led to two field goals. Yet, as NOLA.com’s Matthew Paras reported, “Neither quarterback definitively created the separation that coach Kellen Moore was perhaps hoping to see.”
Rattler missed on a couple of passes that could have put touchdowns on the board rather than field goals. On the Saints’ opening drive, his third-down throw to Brandin Cooks was broken up by All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain. On the next drive, he missed Rashid Shaheed on a post pattern that looked poised for a big gain.
Despite these setbacks, Rattler demonstrated poise and led the Saints to multiple scoring opportunities. His three-game preseason passer rating of 86.9 shows he’s capable of managing drives efficiently, though he failed to produce a signature moment that might have solidified his edge over Shough.
Shough’s Final Argument
Shough took over at quarterback later in the first half and needed to overcome early struggles. As SaintsWire’s Crissy Froyd noted, the rookie “began to pick up momentum and make progress with his legs in a way he’s not displayed before.” Completing 12 of 20 passes for 102 yards and adding a rushing touchdown, Shough showed both athleticism and composure in the red zone. Yet he was far from flawless, coughing up a fumble inside the Saints’ 20-yard line that allowed Denver to extend its lead.
Over a 12-play stretch, Shough found a rhythm, methodically moving the offense downfield. He capped the drive with an 11-yard read-option touchdown, reading the Broncos’ defense and pulling the ball himself, showcasing the instincts that have made him a candidate for the starting role. Bleacher Report captured the mixed reactions of fans, noting that Shough’s “ability adds an extra layer to New Orleans’ run game,” even as critics questioned his consistency.
Depth Chart Notes
Third-string quarterback Jake Haener saw action late in the game, completing 5 of 9 passes for 37 yards. SaintsWire observed that “Haener has sealed his fate… this just is not the right fit for him,” confirming that the QB battle is definitively between Rattler and Shough.
Beyond the quarterback competition, the Saints’ offense struggled to find its way. New Orleans totaled 182 passing yards and failed to reach the end zone through the air.
Looming Decisions
Head Coach Kellen Moore now faces the critical choice of naming a starter for Week 1 against the Cardinals. Neither Rattler nor Shough produced a decisive performance Sunday, leaving the decision unresolved. NOLA.com noted, “The two quarterbacks continued to be neck and neck,” emphasizing the narrow margin between the contenders.
After three preseason games, Rattler went 30 of 43 for 295 yards with one touchdown and one interception, while Shough completed 36 of 53 pass attempts for 333 yards with one touchdown, one interception, and a rushing touchdown.
The Saints’ preseason finale reinforced what has been clear all summer: the quarterback position remains in flux. Rattler and Shough both demonstrated strengths and weaknesses. With the regular season fast approaching, all eyes will be on Moore to determine which signal-caller will lead New Orleans into the opener. Until that choice is made, the Saints and their fans remain on edge.
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