Spencer Rattler ‘confident’ during battle for starting QB job with Tyler Shough

Spencer Rattler’s first year with the Saints didn’t present ideal circumstances for a rookie quarterback. Most starting offensive linemen and receivers were injured. New Orleans posted a 0-6 record in his starts.

But he sees the bright side of 2024, calling it a learning experience.

“I think it was great. Obviously, going through that year, being put in the fire and getting through it healthy first, that’s a blessing, and being able to make a few plays in there and put some good stuff on tape,” Rattler said. “A lot to learn from, feeling good right now and want to keep stacking.”

Rattler said he wasn’t surprised the team drafted Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough, who he is now competing with for the starting gig, in the second round.

“Hey, I’m confident in what I can do. I feel good about the work we are putting in, and I feel like competition is good for everybody,” Rattler said.

While Shough was the QB brought in with the current coaching staff in place, Kellen Moore sees a lot of potential in Rattler.

“He had some really good film on tape. He did an excellent job, protected the football, delivered, took shots and hung in there,” Moore said. “That’s a big thing for a QB to have the courage to know that they’ll get hit but can make a throw to impact the game and impact the team. You saw a number of those by Spencer that got me fired up and I thought his accuracy showed up throughout the games as well.”

Rattler and Shough have been splitting reps, and the second-year QB made quite the impression in 7-on-7 drills during OTAs. He was 8-8 with some impressive throws in one of the sessions.

“Felt good. Nothing is promised, so you want to work every day. You want to lead your guys being the quarterback. Gotta have confidence, swag and get your teammates to believe in you,” Rattler said.