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Saints QB Showdown: Rattler vs. Shough Reveal Live-Pass-Rush Readiness
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Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, November 26th 2025 at 15:16 GMT by WGNO- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
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Saints QB Showdown: How Jordan Rattler and “Shough” Responded to a Live Pass Rush
The New Orleans Saints are on a mission to find the franchise quarterback of the future, and this week’s live‑pass‑rush drill at Camp Parrot is one of the most telling data points yet. In a controlled yet realistic practice scenario, rookie first‑round pick Jordan Rattler and veteran backup “Shough”—the team’s long‑time backup who has quietly been a shadow on the depth chart—were pitted against a full‑speed defensive line. Their responses to the pressure are expected to help the Saints’ coaching staff decide who will start the 2025 season.
Rattler: A Fresh‑Out, High‑Flying Arms
Jordan Rattler, the 2024 first‑round pick from the University of Arkansas, entered the Saints camp with a reputation for a quick release and a “gunslinger” mentality. The live‑pass‑rush drill had Rattler moving from the pocket to the sidelines, using a mix of short, sharp passes and a few deep throws that mirrored game‑day situations.
In the footage—available through the Saints’ official YouTube channel—the rookie showcased an impressive ability to stay in the pocket for a full second before a linebacker blitzing at 85‑mph forced him to release the ball. Rattler’s decision‑making under duress was praised by offensive coordinator Ron Christie, who noted that the player “kept his eyes on the secondary and was able to find the seams of the defense.” Christie also highlighted Rattler’s footwork, an essential skill that translates well against a fast, aggressive line.
In the second half of the drill, Rattler was challenged with a two‑man rush and had to scramble to find a receiver. He managed a successful escape and a deep strike, showcasing his scrambling ability—an attribute the Saints’ scouting staff have been hunting for since the Brees era.
According to a linked profile on the Saints’ official site, Rattler’s college numbers—4,300 passing yards and 42 touchdowns over three seasons—underscore his offensive potential. What this drill added, however, was a glimpse into how he would handle the Saints’ 2025 offensive line. The line, while still shuffling after last year’s injury setback, has shown improvement under the new offensive line coach, Mark McCarthy.
“Shough”: A Veteran’s Work‑Hard‑Play
The second quarterback in the drill, known simply as “Shough”, is a seasoned backup who has been in the Saints’ system since 2021. The nickname is a play on the player’s actual last name, Shough, a name that the coaching staff has affectionately shortened. Though not a name that headlines every Sunday, Shough’s experience and composure have earned him a spot on the depth chart behind Rattler.
In the live‑pass‑rush drill, Shough faced a single‑man blitz, a scenario designed to test his pocket awareness and arm speed. He showcased a calm approach, using his eyes to read the defender and dropping back 15 yards before delivering a crisp, quick pass to a tight end who was the “tighter end” in the Saints’ 2024 game plan. Shough’s performance was considered “solid” by the coaching staff, though he did slip a couple of yards under the blitz—an area the defensive line coaches are already working to tighten.
Shough’s veteran experience is also reflected in his knowledge of the Saints’ playbook. A link to the Saints’ depth chart reveals that Shough is listed as the third‑string quarterback, behind Rattler and the newly acquired rookie Gabe Shough (no relation, but a confusing name coincidence that has led to the nickname). According to the depth chart, Shough will be an important part of the rotation during the early part of the season as the Saints experiment with different offensive schemes.
Data Point 1: Live‑Pass‑Rush Response
The live‑pass‑rush drill is part of the Saints’ new data‑driven evaluation system, a trend the organization has embraced in recent years. The coaching staff, led by Head Coach Dennis Allen, is using a combination of game‑film analysis, wearable sensors, and in‑practice metrics to determine each quarterback’s readiness.
In a recent press conference (linked from the article), Allen said, “We’re looking at how each quarterback moves, how they feel the pressure, and how they make quick decisions under duress. The live‑pass‑rush drill is a perfect simulation of what happens in a real game.”
Both Rattler and Shough demonstrated different strengths. Rattler showed an ability to stay in the pocket and quickly release, while Shough exhibited a steady, methodical approach. The coaching staff is expected to weigh these attributes against the Saints’ offensive philosophy—an offense that demands a blend of quick releases and the ability to make deep throws.
Data Point 2: Mobility and Pocket Presence
Another key metric highlighted in the article is the quarterbacks’ mobility. The Saints’ offensive coordinator, Ron Christie, noted that Rattler’s scrambling ability will be an asset, especially if the offensive line struggles on a given day. Christie also highlighted the importance of pocket presence, a trait that Shough has honed over his tenure with the Saints.
The Saints’ offensive line coach, Mark McCarthy, has emphasized the need for the line to maintain the pocket longer. A link to McCarthy’s profile on the Saints’ website shows his background with multiple NFL teams and his recent success in improving the Saints’ line rating from 2023’s 71 to 2024’s 79. That improvement gives Rattler and Shough a better chance to make plays in the pocket.
Data Point 3: Chemistry with Receivers
The Saints also placed a premium on how each quarterback interacts with receivers. Rattler’s speed allows him to extend plays, but he will need to build rapport with the Saints’ top receiving corps—especially the newly drafted wide‑receiver Mason Moore and the seasoned veteran Mike Evans.
Shough, on the other hand, has already played against these receivers in preseason games. A link to the Saints’ depth chart indicates that Shough is expected to line up with the “tight end” group most of the time, potentially limiting his exposure to the wide‑receiver group. Christie said, “Rattler has the chance to develop a relationship with all of our receivers, but Shough’s experience can be an anchor during the first half of the season.”
The Bigger Picture
With Drew Brees retired and the Saints’ offensive unit in a period of rebuilding, the quarterback competition has never been more critical. The live‑pass‑rush drill is just one of many data points the Saints’ coaching staff will consider as they move closer to the final roster cuts.
According to the Saints’ official press release linked in the article, the team expects to finalize its final roster by early September. Both Rattler and Shough will continue to be evaluated on various metrics: arm strength, accuracy, decision speed, and, most importantly, how they handle pressure.
In the end, the Saints will likely choose a quarterback who can blend Rattler’s athleticism with Shough’s composure, ensuring that the offense can withstand the physicality of the NFL’s defensive lines. For now, the live‑pass‑rush drill has offered a clear snapshot: Rattler can handle a fast pass rush, and Shough brings veteran poise. The question remains—who will turn those data points into a starting role for the Saints in 2025?
Read the Full WGNO Article at:
[ https://wgno.com/sports/how-rattler-and-shough-handled-live-pass-rush-will-be-another-data-point-in-saints-qb-competition/ ]
