The New Orleans Saints enter the 2025 season in transition, with a new head coach in Kellen Moore, a revamped roster, and one of the NFL’s most intriguing quarterback competitions. Following the unexpected retirement of Derek Carr in the month of May, the Saints find themselves without a clear successor at the game’s most critical position. Second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler, a 2024 fifth-round pick, and rookie Tyler Shough, a 2025 second-round selection, headline a three-person race alongside Jake Haener for the starting job.
As the quarterback battle unfolds, one factor could significantly alleviate the pressure on the eventual QB1: a revamped and deep running back rotation. With a talented group led by Alvin Kamara and supported by Kendre Miller, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and emerging depth pieces, the Saints’ run game has the potential to be a stabilizing force, allowing their young quarterback to find his footing in a high-stakes season.
The 2024 Context: A Struggling Offense and a New Beginning
The 2024 season was a low point for the New Orleans Saints, who finished 5-12, their worst record since 2005. The offense, hampered by injuries, a midseason coaching change, and inconsistent quarterback play, ranked 21st in total yards (320.1 per game) and 24th in points scored (19.9 per game). The running game showed flashes of potential, finishing 14th in the NFL with 114.9 yards per game, a marked improvement from 2023’s 21st-ranked 102.5 yards per game. Alvin Kamara remained the focal point, rushing for 950 yards and six touchdowns, while Taysom Hill’s 278 yards and six scores (7.1 yards per carry) added a dynamic element. However, injuries to Hill and others and an offensive line that allowed 37 sacks (13th-most in the NFL) limited the unit’s consistency.
Spencer Rattler, thrust into action for six starts, went 0-6, throwing for 1,317 yards, four touchdowns, and five interceptions with a 57.0% completion rate. His flashes of arm talent were overshadowed by turnovers and a subpar supporting cast, including a receiving corps depleted by injuries to Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. The Saints’ offensive struggles underscored the need for a reliable run game to take pressure off the quarterback, a lesson that new head coach Kellen Moore and offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier are applying to 2025.
With Carr’s retirement accelerating the timeline for a new quarterback, the Saints drafted Tyler Shough at No. 40 overall, a controversial pick given his age (26 by midseason) and injury history. Rattler, with NFL experience, and Shough, with draft capital and Moore’s endorsement, are the frontrunners, while Haener, sidelined by an oblique injury during OTAs, remains a long shot. Regardless of who wins the job, the Saints’ ability to lean on a deep running back rotation could be the key to stabilizing the offense and giving the young quarterback room to grow.
A Deep Running Back Rotation: The Pieces in Place
The Saints’ running back room in 2025 is a blend of proven star power, emerging talent, and versatile depth, offering a foundation to support an unproven quarterback. Let’s break down the key contributors:
Alvin Kamara: At 30, Kamara remains the heart of the Saints’ offense. Despite a dip in production in 2024 (695 yards, 3.8 yards per carry), he’s still one of the NFL’s most versatile backs, capable of impacting the game as a rusher, receiver, and pass protector. His ability to turn short passes into big gains will be a lifeline for Rattler or Shough, especially in Kellen Moore’s West Coast-style offense that emphasizes quick throws and play-action. Kamara’s experience and leadership will also help guide a young quarterback through the complexities of NFL defenses.
Kendre Miller: The 2023 third-round pick showed promise in limited action last season, rushing for 148 yards on 39 carries (3.8 yards per carry) and a touchdown. At 23, Miller is poised for a larger role, particularly as a power runner who can complement Kamara’s elusiveness. His development will be critical, especially if Kamara’s workload is managed to preserve his health. Miller’s ability to grind out tough yards could keep the offense ahead of the chains, reducing the pressure on the quarterback to make high-risk throws.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire: A veteran presence, the former LSU Tiger was a late addition who joined the team last season after Kamara suffered an injury against the Commanders. His running style adds another dimension, allowing the Saints to diversify their approach and control the clock. CEH’s role may be situational, but his key-moment consistency can help a young quarterback avoid third-and-long situations.
Depth Pieces: The Saints have bolstered their depth with players like Marcus Yarns and Velus Jones, who provide additional options in the rotation. Analysts also highlight Devin Neal and Cam Akers as potential contributors, suggesting the Saints prioritize depth to keep their backs fresh. Taysom Hill, despite his knee injury in 2024, remains a wild card. His 7.1 yards per carry and six touchdowns last season showcased his value as a gadget player, though his recovery timeline may limit his early-season impact.
This depth allows the Saints to deploy a committee approach, a proven effective strategy for teams with young or unproven quarterbacks. By spreading carries across multiple backs, the Saints can maintain fresh legs, exploit matchup-specific skills, and reduce the wear and tear on Kamara as he enters his age-30 season. The offensive line, bolstered by first-round pick Kelvin Banks Jr. and Taliese Fuaga, should provide better run-blocking than in 2024, further enhancing the group’s potential.
How the Run Game Supports the Quarterback
A strong running game can be a young quarterback’s best friend, and for Rattler or Shough, the Saints’ deep rotation offers several advantages:
Controlling the Clock and Game Flow: A consistent run game allows the Saints to dictate the game’s pace, keeping their defense—ranked 30th in total defense in 2024 (379.9 yards per game)—off the field. By sustaining drives with Kamara, Miller, and Williams, the Saints can limit opponents’ possessions, reducing the pressure on the quarterback to play catch-up or force throws into tight windows. This is especially critical for Rattler, whose 22 sacks in six starts last season highlighted his struggles under pressure, or Shough, whose injury history raises concerns about his durability.
Play-Action Opportunities: Kellen Moore’s offense, rooted in his success with Dak Prescott, Justin Herbert, and Jalen Hurts, relies heavily on play-action and pre-snap motion to create favorable matchups. A credible run threat forces linebackers to hesitate, opening up passing lanes for quick throws to Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, or tight end Juwan Johnson. Shough, who demonstrated an ability to execute play-action at Louisville (3,195 yards, 23 touchdowns in 2024), could thrive in this system. Rattler’s mobility could add a scrambling element to keep defenses honest.
Reducing Passing Volume: Both quarterbacks face questions about their readiness. Rattler’s 57.0% completion rate and five interceptions in 2024 suggest he struggles with decision-making, while Shough’s limited college starts (32 in seven years) and 62.7% completion rate raise doubts about his consistency. A robust run game reduces the need for 35-40 pass attempts per game, allowing the quarterback to focus on high-percentage throws and situational plays. Kamara’s receiving ability out of the backfield—540 receiving yards in 2024—provides a safety valve for check-downs, further easing the burden.
Protecting a Young Quarterback’s Confidence: For a rookie like Shough or a second-year player like Rattler, confidence is critical. A balanced offense that doesn’t rely solely on their arm can prevent the kind of “head-shaking” mistakes Rattler made in 2024, as noted by analysts. By leaning on the run game early in games or favorable down-and-distance situations, Moore can build the quarterback’s confidence, allowing them to grow into the role without being overwhelmed by complex defensive schemes.
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The Quarterback Battle: Rattler vs. Shough
The quarterback competition is the storyline dominating Saints training camp, which started on July 22, 2025, at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Both Rattler and Shough bring unique strengths and challenges:
- Spencer Rattler: A 2024 fifth-round pick, Rattler’s 0-6 record as a starter last season belies moments of promise, particularly his Week 15 performance against the Washington Commanders, where he showed flashes of his five-star pedigree. His arm talent and mobility (146 rushing yards in 2024) are assets, but his 70.4 passer rating and tendency to take sacks (22 in six starts) highlight areas for improvement. With a year of NFL experience and reported improvements in decisiveness during OTAs, Rattler has a slight edge in familiarity. Still, he must cut down on turnovers to secure the job.
- Tyler Shough: Selected at No. 40 overall, Shough is the highest-drafted Saints quarterback since Dave Wilson in the 1981 supplemental draft, giving him a perceived edge due to draft capital. His 2024 season at Louisville (3,195 yards, 23 touchdowns, 8.2 yards per attempt) showcased his arm strength, particularly on vertical throws, which could pair well with Rashid Shaheed’s deep-threat ability. However, his age (26 by September 2025), injury history (broken collarbone, shoulder, broken fibula), and limited college starts raise concerns about his ceiling and durability. Shough’s ability to operate from the pocket and execute Moore’s play-action concepts could give him an advantage, but he must adapt quickly to the NFL’s speed.
Analysts are split on the outcome. Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton predicts Rattler will win the job, citing his experience and potential to improve, while others see Shough as the favorite due to his draft status and Moore’s investment. FanDuel’s Week 1 starting quarterback odds heavily favor Shough, reflecting the team’s commitment to their second-round pick. Regardless of the winner, the quarterback will inherit an offense with talent at the skill positions—Kamara, Olave, Shaheed—and a coaching staff with a proven track record of developing passers.
The Run Game’s Role in the 2025 Outlook
The Saints’ 2025 schedule includes winnable games against Arizona, the Giants, and Carolina, but tougher tests against the 49ers, Bears, and Bills will challenge their young quarterback and revamped roster. A strong run game can tilt the scales in these matchups by keeping defenses off balance and limiting the exposure of Rattler or Shough to elite pass rushers like Buffalo’s Greg Rousseau or Chicago’s Montez Sweat. The Saints’ defense, transitioning to a 3-4 scheme under coordinator Brandon Staley, remains a work in progress after ranking 30th in yards allowed last season. A clock-controlling run game will be crucial to keeping games close and giving the defense time to gel.
Projections for the Saints’ 2025 season are modest, with many analysts placing them at the bottom of the NFC South due to their quarterback uncertainty and roster overhaul. However, a deep back rotation offers a path to exceeding expectations. If Kamara stays healthy, Miller steps up in crucial situations, the Saints could push their rushing attack into the top 10, building on their 14th-ranked performance in 2024. This would allow Moore to craft a balanced offense, leveraging play-action to exploit Olave and Shaheed’s playmaking while protecting the quarterback from high-pressure situations.
The Saints’ history with rookie quarterbacks is bleak—only five wins with a rookie starter since 1950, with the last coming in 1981. For Shough to become the first Week 1 rookie starter since Dave Wilson or Rattler to reverse his 0-6 record, the run game must be a consistent weapon. By leaning on Kamara’s versatility and Miller’s upside, the Saints can create a supportive environment for their young quarterback, whether it’s Rattler’s arm ability or Shough’s pocket presence leading the way.
The New Orleans Saints’ 2025 season hinges on the outcome of the quarterback battle, but the revamped running back rotation could be the X-factor that determines their success. Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller, Jamaal Williams, and a cast of depth pieces provide the depth and versatility to control games, open up the passing attack, and shield an inexperienced quarterback from the full weight of NFL defenses.
Kellen Moore’s offensive expertise, paired with a strengthened offensive line featuring Kelvin Banks Jr. and Taliese Fuaga, sets the stage for a rushing attack that can carry the offense early in the season. Whether Spencer Rattler or Tyler Shough emerges as QB1, the Saints’ ability to lean on their running backs will ease the transition and provide a foundation for growth.
A top 10 rushing attack could propel New Orleans to a 7-10 or 8-9 record, keeping them competitive in a winnable NFC South while setting the stage for a potential franchise quarterback in the 2026 draft, such as LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier. The run game offers a glance of stability for a franchise during a new era, ensuring that whoever takes the snaps under center has a fighting chance to succeed.
