No question about it: Spencer Rattler is starting at quarterback in Sunday’s New Orleans Saints preseason game with the Los Angeles Chargers, head coach Kellen Moore announced after practice on Friday. Moore was careful to say this doesn’t mean Rattler will start the regular season in September, but this is a big step towards the second-year pro achieving that. He also didn’t rule out a different quarterback starting the second preseason game next week. Rattler must prove he’s the best option in the building.
This is a big opportunity for Rattler to rewrite the narrative around him, too. He started six games and played half of another one last year as a rookie, but he didn’t win any of them while throwing more interceptions (5) than touchdowns (4). If he can assert himself here, make better decisions with the football, and stand out against the players on top of L.A.’s depth chart, he might give Saints fans someone to believe in.
And Tyler Shough is pushing him. The rookie second-round draft pick will take the field after Rattler on Sunday before handing off to Jake Haener later on. Shough has been making strides at practice and visibly growing more comfortable as he gets more reps. If he turns a corner and looks like the best choice, he could be the Week 1 starter. But right now Rattler is still a little ahead of him. And the quarterback is fired up.
“Super excited, awesome opportunity,” Rattler told reporters after practice. “Excited to get out there with the guys. Try to play some clean ball, try to score some points. Have some fun with the guys out there.”
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