The New Orleans Saints have named rookie quarterback Tyler Shough as their starter for Sunday’s matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The decision makes a lot of sense as New Orleans continues to evaluate their young quarterbacks for the QB1 job. Spencer Rattler started against the Los Angeles Chargers and finished the day 7/11 for 53 yards and a fumble. Rattler failed to lead the offense to any points.
Shough went 15/22 for 165 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception, which Los Angeles took for a touchdown. While the interception was a boneheaded play, Shough led the team to two separate scoring drives, including a 54-yard touchdown pass to Tipton, the drive after the pick six. Shough’s other points came on his first drive of the game, leading the team 52 yards in a 1:38 to kick a field goal before halftime.
Third-year quarterback Jake Haener saw minimal play time during the matchup with the Chargers and finished the day 5/8 for 41 yards and an interception. Despite the newest depth chart naming Haener in contention for the starting job, it is likely to come down to Shough or Rattler.
Shough has a big opportunity to take a lead in the quarterback battle on Sunday. Throughout training camp, Rattler has been the favorite, but over the last couple of weeks, the rookie has shown tremendous growth and been neck and neck with Rattler. If Shough can lead multiple efficient scoring drives, he could win the job for New Orleans going forward.
