The New Orleans Saints enter their preseason finale against the Denver Broncos with one pressing question still hanging over the franchise: Who will be the starting quarterback in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals?
Head coach Kellen Moore has kept the battle close between Spencer Rattler and rookie Tyler Shough, insisting there’s no rush to decide on the opener. But with one preseason game left and three weeks until the regular season begins, Saturday’s matchup feels less like another exhibition and more like a high-stakes audition.
The stage is set at the Superdome for the Saints to finally reveal what their offense looks like with its full complement of stars — Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and Erik McCoy all expected to see action alongside the quarterbacks. It won’t just be about who looks sharper, but who can run the offense when the real personnel is on the field.
Rattler vs. Shough: The Final Chapter of the QB Battle
Spencer Rattler has quietly built momentum in recent weeks. Against Jacksonville, he completed 18 of 24 passes for 199 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. More importantly, he orchestrated a late touchdown drive capped by a two-point conversion scramble that tied the game. It was the kind of poise and production the Saints hoped to see after his rocky six-start stretch in 2024.
Tyler Shough, meanwhile, entered camp with the physical tools — arm strength, mobility, size — to intrigue coaches. His first preseason outing against the Chargers included a 54-yard touchdown strike to Mason Tipton. Still, he followed that up with a quieter showing against Jacksonville, completing 9 of 12 passes for 66 yards without a score.
Both quarterbacks have flashed; neither has fully separated. Moore’s decision to give Rattler the start against Denver suggests this may be his chance to close the door on Shough and claim QB1 outright. But if Rattler falters and Shough impresses in relief, the competition could remain unsettled heading into game-planning for the Cardinals.
What the Offense Finally Looks Like
Up to now, the Saints’ quarterback play has been evaluated with incomplete weapons. Kamara, Olave, Shaheed, McCoy, and Juwan Johnson have been held out of action, leaving Rattler and Shough to work with a mix of backups and camp hopefuls. That changes against Denver.
Alvin Kamara brings his dual-threat presence back to the field. His 68 catches last year made him the safety valve this offense desperately needs. How he’s deployed in Moore’s tempo-driven scheme will be one of the most important takeaways from this game.
Meanwhile, Rashid Shaheed’s explosive plays in practice and preseason games have made him look like the true WR1 option. Seeing Shaheed and Olave both on the field together will give the first real picture of how defenses must adjust.
Erik McCoy’s return at center provides stability to an offensive line that has struggled with injuries and penalties all preseason. With him anchoring protection, both quarterbacks will finally get a cleaner evaluation.
This will be the first time these players share the field in 2025. It’s not just about how Rattler or Shough throws the ball — it’s about how the offense flows with its full arsenal in place.
More Than Just Quarterbacks
While the spotlight is squarely on the quarterback competition, the Broncos game is also an opportunity to see how Moore’s system looks when most starters play meaningful snaps.
Offensive Line Cohesion: Injuries to Trevor Penning and Will Clapp have tested depth, but McCoy’s return should help steady the unit. Denver’s front seven will be a good test.
Running Back Rotation: Behind Kamara, Kendre Miller and Clyde Edwards-Helaire will continue to battle for touches. Miller flashed against the Chargers, while CEH offers third-down versatility.
Wide Receiver Depth: Mason Tipton has been one of the stars of the preseason, making a strong case for a roster spot. Dante Pettis and Velus Jones are also pushing for roles. How they’re deployed on Saturday may hint at who the staff values most.
The Stakes
The Saints won’t reveal everything against Denver, but make no mistake: this game carries weight. Rattler can cement himself as the Week 1 starter with another strong showing. Shough, meanwhile, needs a rebound performance to keep the battle alive.
For Moore and his staff, Saturday offers clarity. For the fans, it’s the first glimpse of what the 2025 Saints might look like when their best players are on the field.
Will Rattler seize the job outright? Or can Shough bounce back and force the Saints to delay their decision even longer?
Either way, the preseason finale against Denver will set the tone for a season where expectations are tempered but opportunities remain wide open in a winnable NFC South.
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