Saints Quarterback Competition Heats Up in Final Week of OTAs

Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough continue to duel it out.

The New Orleans Saints quarterback competition stays hot.

The final practice open to the media for OTAs highlighted the intense battle between rookie quarterback Tyler Shough and second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler.

On Thursday, the Saints' offense worked in the red zone. Spencer Rattler ended the day 6/8 passing with 3 touchdowns, while Shough finished 7/8 passing with one touchdown. Both players rotated working with the first and second teams.

The quarterback battle became public first during the open portion of the first week of OTAs when Shough and Rattler each had impressive showings. During 7-on-7 sessions, Rattler went a perfect 8/8 passing, while Shough followed up closely, going 7/8 with a deep 50+ yard bomb to Shaheed. 

The two young signal callers continued their impressive runs in 7-on-7 drills the following week. During the open portion of the Saints week two OTAs, Shough went 9/12 with 2 touchdowns and an interception. The rookie quarterback's touchdowns came excitingly, with both being 60+ yard deep passes. Rattler continues to be right on Shough's trail, however, going 10/12 passing. 

Shough finishes OTAs going 23/28 for 3 touchdowns and an interception while Rattler ends 24/28 passing with 3 touchdowns. Both players delivered impressive performances, continuing the tight battle for the starting quarterback.

While head coach Kellen Moore said the team will maintain similar workouts during minicamp, the real battle will begin in training camp, when teams will be allowed contact drills. As training camp ramps up and bleeds into preseason, a starter will be named.