“I think there is no greater representation of New Orleans,” Saints linebacker Demario Davis said of the rookie QB. He was impressed with how Tyler Shough handled the game against the Los Angeles Chargers. There were mistakes, as Davis recalled in an episode of Good Morning Football. However, he praised Shough’s “resiliency” as the QB didn’t let that distract him and went on to have his best performance. The QB clearly came with a chip on his shoulder to prove himself when he stepped into the competition for the starting job.
After Derek Carr’s retirement, Shough was expected to take up the starting job. But it wasn’t going to be handed to him. He would have to earn it while competing against Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener. So, the coach’s message didn’t come as a surprise. He wants the Saints’ 1s to take full responsibility in their next scheduled practice with the Los Angeles Rams.
“Kellen Moore said tomorrow’s practice will effectively be a full game for the 1s. The Saints will continue to rotate their QBs,” Jeff Nowak shared. As per the Saints’ official depth chart, any of the three players could be the starter come Week 1. Well, Shough will have ample chances to show his potential, just like he did in the preseason debut against the Chargers. Shough went 15-for-22 for 165 yards with a pick-six and two sacks, but threw a sweet 54-yard touchdown. Haener took over for the Saints’ final two drives, completing 5 of 8 passes for 41 yards with one interception.
Kellen Moore said tomorrow’s practice will effectively be a full game for the 1s. The Saints will continue to rotate their QBs.
— Jeff Nowak (@Jeff_Nowak) August 14, 2025
The highlight in this 27-13 defeat for the Saints was Shough’s competition against Rattler, who started the game. As per reports (SI), the Saints’ rookie had been outperforming Rattler throughout training camp. He may have entered camp as QB2, but his skills and progress are pushing him closer to the QB1 position.
Even in the preseason opener, Shough had the upper hand with more snaps. Rattler completed 7 of 11 passes for 53 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions. His longest series covered 8 plays for 42 yards. While the QB room seems stable for the Saints, their first-year head coach might have some intriguing plans to ruffle the feathers.
Are the Saints eyeing a Browns QB?
Shough’s 62.7% completion percentage, 3,195 yards, and 23 touchdowns across his last 12 games for Louisville made him an interesting pick. His slow but steady progress has been appreciated by the Saints. If you’ve been keeping up with the Saints’ rookie, he’s been putting in immense work, which was evident in the preseason opener. Not to mention, Rattler has been impressive too, and Haener hasn’t disappointed either. The Saints’ coach is satisfied, though he might have slightly different plans if we listen to the rumors.
And that plan might involve acquiring another quarterback. As per rumors, the Saints are eyeing a questionable choice for their QB room. CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin reports that the Saints might bring Kenny Pickett in. He was ranked last in The Athletic’s 2025 QB rankings. “His [Pickett’s] chances of opening 2025 under center already feel very remote,” Benjamin said. If true, the move could help relieve the Browns’ crowded room of six quarterbacks. Despite once being favored for the QB1 slot, unremarkable training displays and a hamstring injury have reportedly seen Pickett fall out of favor in Cleveland.
So what does Moore have in mind? It could be to enhance the depth chart, or perhaps he isn’t convinced by any of the arms he’s seen up close so far. While this is currently just whispers, it will be interesting to see which direction the Saints’ head coach goes for quarterback.
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