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Tyler Shough Overshadows Spencer Rattlerinthe Saints Quarterback Competition

Saints Quarterback Competition Heats Up: Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough Battle for Backup Role

In the sweltering heat of New Orleans training camp, the New Orleans Saints are witnessing an intriguing quarterback competition that could have ripple effects not just for the team's depth chart but also for fantasy football enthusiasts eyeing sleeper picks. With Derek Carr firmly entrenched as the starter, the real drama unfolds behind him, where rookie Spencer Rattler and undrafted free agent Tyler Shough are vying for the primary backup spot, potentially pushing incumbent Jake Haener further down the pecking order. This battle, while not headline-grabbing like some quarterback controversies around the league, offers a fascinating glimpse into the Saints' future plans and provides fantasy managers with valuable insights into potential late-round darts or waiver-wire adds.

Spencer Rattler, the fifth-round pick out of South Carolina, entered the NFL with a mix of hype and skepticism. Once a highly touted prospect who started his college career at Oklahoma before transferring to the Gamecocks, Rattler has always possessed a cannon for an arm and the kind of pocket presence that draws comparisons to gunslingers like Matthew Stafford. However, his college tenure was marred by inconsistency, turnovers, and questions about his maturity. The Saints, under new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, saw enough potential in Rattler to select him at No. 150 overall in the 2024 draft. Kubiak's scheme, which emphasizes quick reads and play-action passes, seems tailor-made for Rattler's skill set. During the early days of camp, Rattler has impressed with his ability to stretch the field vertically, connecting on deep balls to receivers like Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. Coaches have praised his work ethic, noting how he's quickly adapted to the professional level, shedding some of the bad habits that plagued him in college.

Yet, Rattler isn't without competition. Enter Tyler Shough, the undrafted quarterback from Louisville who brings a wealth of college experience and a resilient story to the Saints' roster. Shough's journey has been anything but straightforward. Starting at Oregon, where he showed flashes of brilliance under then-coach Mario Cristobal, Shough transferred to Texas Tech and then Louisville, battling injuries along the way that limited his playing time and draft stock. Despite throwing for over 7,000 yards and 50 touchdowns in his collegiate career, durability concerns and a lack of consistent production kept him out of the draft. The Saints scooped him up as a UDFA, intrigued by his 6-foot-5 frame, strong arm, and mobility that allows him to extend plays outside the pocket. In camp, Shough has turned heads with his poise in two-minute drills and his accuracy on intermediate routes. He's been particularly effective in red-zone situations, using his size to his advantage and showing a knack for threading needles in tight windows. Head coach Dennis Allen has commented on Shough's leadership qualities, drawing from his experience as a multi-year starter in Power Five conferences.

The competition between Rattler and Shough is more than just a fight for reps; it's a clash of styles that could influence how the Saints approach their quarterback room long-term. Rattler represents the high-upside, boom-or-bust prospect—capable of game-changing throws but prone to mistakes under pressure. Shough, on the other hand, offers a steadier hand, with better decision-making honed from years of adversity. Jake Haener, the 2023 fourth-round pick from Fresno State, isn't out of the mix entirely. Haener's quick release and football IQ make him a reliable option, but his smaller stature (6-foot-1) and limited arm strength have him playing catch-up in this race. Reports from camp suggest Haener has been solid in 7-on-7 drills, but he's struggled with consistency in full-team scrimmages, where Rattler and Shough have outshone him in terms of velocity and downfield accuracy.

From a fantasy football perspective, this quarterback battle is worth monitoring closely, especially in deeper leagues or dynasty formats. Derek Carr is the unquestioned QB1, projected as a low-end QB2 in standard leagues thanks to his reliable floor and the Saints' pass-heavy offense featuring weapons like Olave, Shaheed, and Alvin Kamara. But injuries happen, and if Carr goes down, the backup could become a streaming option or even a spot-start hero. Rattler, with his pedigree, is the more intriguing fantasy stash. His ability to generate big plays could lead to spike weeks, making him a potential league-winner if he ascends to the starting role mid-season. Fantasy analysts have him ranked as a top-10 dynasty rookie QB, with some projecting him to eventually supplant Carr if the veteran underperforms. Shough, meanwhile, is flying under the radar but shouldn't be ignored. His experience could make him a safer bet for immediate contributions, and in superflex leagues, he's a worthwhile late-round flier. If Shough wins the backup job, he might see garbage-time reps, accumulating sneaky stats in blowouts.

As preseason games approach, the Saints' coaching staff will have tough decisions to make. Will they prioritize Rattler's raw talent and invest in his development, or opt for Shough's reliability to ensure stability behind Carr? The team's first preseason matchup against the Arizona Cardinals will be telling, as both quarterbacks are expected to get extended playing time. Observers note that Rattler has been working closely with Carr on film study, absorbing the nuances of Kubiak's offense, which draws from the Shanahan tree and emphasizes rhythm and timing. Shough, drawing on his varied college experiences, has adapted quickly to the pro-style concepts, impressing in walkthroughs with his ability to audible at the line.

Beyond the on-field implications, this competition highlights the Saints' strategy of building depth through a mix of drafted talent and overlooked gems. With the NFC South wide open—featuring question marks around Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay, Kirk Cousins in Atlanta, and Bryce Young in Carolina—the Saints are positioning themselves for a playoff push. A strong backup quarterback could be the difference in a tight division race. For now, the edge might go to Rattler due to his draft capital, but Shough's intangibles could swing things in his favor.

Fantasy managers should keep an eye on beat reports and preseason performances. If Rattler flashes his college form, he could climb draft boards, potentially becoming a QB3 with upside. Shough, if he secures the No. 2 spot, might not offer the same ceiling but provides insurance value. Either way, this under-the-radar battle adds intrigue to the Saints' camp and could unearth a hidden gem for your fantasy roster. As the summer progresses, expect more twists in what might be one of the most compelling positional fights in the NFL this offseason. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/onsi/fantasy/nfl/tyler-shough-spencer-saints-quarterback-competition ]