Kellen Moore Reacts to Red-Hot Saints QB Competition: A Decision Looms
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the New Orleans Saints are facing one of their most critical decisions: who will lead the offense at quarterback? After the surprising retirement of veteran quarterback Derek Carr due to shoulder injuries, the Saints are left with an intense competition between second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler and rookie Tyler Shough.
Head coach Kellen Moore has been closely observing the battle between the two quarterbacks, and he’s made it clear that the competition is far from over. "It's really, really close... numbers, experiences, reps, everything... It’s going all the way back to the start of training camp," Moore said, acknowledging just how tight the race for the starting role has been.
The Performance of the Two Quarterbacks
Both Rattler and Shough have showcased their talent during the preseason, making it even more difficult for Moore to make a decision. In the final preseason game against the Denver Broncos, Shough started the game, completing 9 of 12 passes for 66 yards. Later, Rattler entered the game and led a successful comeback, finishing 18 of 24 for 199 yards, one touchdown, and an interception. Both quarterbacks showed flashes of brilliance, but each also had moments that left room for improvement.
For Rattler, the ability to lead his team back into the game after being down early was a testament to his resilience and command of the offense. However, his interception raised questions about his decision-making under pressure. Shough, on the other hand, demonstrated accuracy and poise, but his relatively low yardage and lack of a touchdown raised concerns about his ability to produce explosive plays when needed.
Kellen Moore’s Approach to the Competition
Despite the impressive preseason performances from both quarterbacks, Moore has yet to make a final decision on who will start in the Saints' season opener against the Arizona Cardinals. Moore explained, "We’ll go through this process... we’ll have those discussions, and then at some point next week we’ll make that decision and communicate with certainly the players, first and foremost, and we’ll get it to everyone else as well."
Moore's cautious approach to naming the starter underscores just how important this decision is for the team. The Saints are aiming to make a deep playoff run this year, and the quarterback position will be pivotal in determining their success. Moore is taking his time to thoroughly analyze game footage and consult with his coaching staff to ensure that the right choice is made.
The Importance of the Decision for the Saints
As the Saints’ season opener draws nearer, fans are eagerly awaiting Moore’s decision. Both Rattler and Shough have their strengths and weaknesses, and it’s clear that whichever quarterback is chosen will need to step up in a big way to guide the team through a challenging season.
For Rattler, the opportunity to start would be a chance to prove that his second year in the NFL can be the breakout year that many expected when he entered the league. For Shough, earning the starting role would be a dream come true for the rookie and a testament to the hard work he’s put in during the offseason.
The Road Ahead: Who Will Lead the Saints?
With just days remaining before the Saints face the Cardinals, Moore’s decision will undoubtedly be a game-changer for the team. The pressure is mounting, and the future of the Saints’ offense is hanging in the balance. Rattler and Shough will continue to battle it out for the starting position, with each practice and preseason game adding another chapter to this high-stakes competition.
Whoever is chosen as the starting quarterback will have the weight of the Saints' expectations on their shoulders. Moore’s final call will shape the team's season and set the tone for the future of the franchise at the quarterback position. Saints fans are on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting to see who will lead their offense into the 2025 season.
