Saints make up for lack of a veteran quarterback with former quarterbacks on staff

Some fans are concerned by the lack of experience in the Saints quarterback room. They currently have four on the roster: Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener and Hunter Dekkers.

Rattler has the most starting experience with six total games. Haener is the only other quarterback with a start, but he got benched at halftime in his one and only opportunity. This is concerning, however, the coaching staff makes up for the shortage of experience.

The Saints have three former quarterbacks on their coaching staff. Head coach Kellen Moore, offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier and quarterbacks coach Scott Tolzien all had successful collegiate careers and made the NFL. Kellen Moore believes their experience can make up for the lack of a veteran quarterback in the room.

Kellen Moore's decorated collegiate career

Kellen Moore had a historic career at Boise State. In his four years for the Broncos he compiled 14,667 passing yards and 142 touchdowns with a career record of 50-3. His 50 wins are the most for a starting quarterback in college football history. In addition, he was in the top 10 for Heisman voting three years in a row.

Moore dominated whatever conference he was in. He won the Western Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year in both 2009 and 2010 before Boise State moved to the Mountain West. Following their move, he won the Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Year the following season.

After his legendary career at Boise State, Moore signed to the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent. He ended up playing six years in the NFL For the Cowboys and the Lions. He was a backup for the majority of his career before retiring to become a coach.

More former quarterbacks on the staff

Nussmeier had an illustrious career at the University of Idaho. Nussmeier passed for 10,824 passing yards and 91 touchdowns with the Vandals. In 1993 he won the Walter Payton Award which is given to the top offensive player in the FCS.

Nussmeier was drafted by the Saints in the fourth round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He played five years in the NFL, appearing in eight total games. His son Garrett Nussmeier is now the starting quarterback at LSU.

Tolzien had a successful career at the University of Wisconsin. He was a two year starter from 2009-2010. He won the Johnny UNitas Golden Arm Award in 2010 for his outstanding season. He totalled 5,271 yards and 32 career touchdowns with the Badgers.

Tolzien was signed by the Chargers after going undrafted in the 2011 NFL Draft. He played four seasons in the NFL and appeared in 10 games.

The Saints don’t have much experience in their quarterback room. Luckily, they are surrounded by three former quarterbacks on their coaching staff. This eliminates the need for them to sign a veteran quarterback. It is still a possibility, but not a necessity.