NEW ORLEANS — The Saints are in quarterback limbo after benching Spencer Rattler for rookie Tyler Shough midway through Sunday’s 23-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Saints coach Kellen Moore didn’t immediately commit to a starting quarterback for next week’s game against the Los Angeles Rams, but indicated the decision would be made early in the week.
“We’re just not executing and playing at a high enough standard, and we’ve got to find a way to move the football consistently, protect the football and score points,” Moore said. “And so, this is a pure full offensive evaluation point. … I think we just got to evaluate this whole thing in the next 48 hours, find the solutions that give us the best chance to win.”
Rattler won the starting job over Shough during an extended training camp battle, but Moore said there will not be an open competition this week. He said whichever quarterback is named the starter will need as many reps as possible to succeed.
“I’m not into flip-flopping quarterbacks … I’m not into this back-and-forth game, but we do have to make some decisions here moving forward as a whole offense collectively with a lot of positions,” Moore said.
Rattler has struggled in his past two games, turning the ball over four times in a loss to the Chicago Bears last week and twice in the first half against the Buccaneers. He was also sacked seven times in his past six quarters.
Moore pulled Rattler for Shough after the Saints’ offense lost 7 yards on their opening drive of the second half. The Saints had three penalties on that drive and struggled on offense during the first half, failing to protect Rattler and also struggling with turnovers.
Moore stressed that it was an issue with the offense and not just Rattler, who turned the ball over twice in the first half.
“This had more to do with the whole offense just not playing well enough and hopefully trying to generate some form of a spark there,” Moore said.
Rattler said he was surprised by Moore’s decision but had “no bad feelings” and understood.
“I mean, we came out of the half, didn’t have a big drive, kept getting backed up, backed up, backed up. Just really couldn’t catch a rhythm, and he said, ‘Hey, we’re going to go with Tyler, get a little spark, see what’s going to happen,'” Rattler said. “And it’s part of the game, and I understand you can’t control everything, but hey, I’m going to be a great teammate and respond the right way, be a pro about it and help in any way I can.”
Shough said he had no inkling he was going in the game until Moore informed the quarterbacks.
“It was just in the moment. … Told me to get ready to go. That was it,” Shough said.
Rattler, who is now 1-13 as a starter dating back to last season, finished the game 15-of-21 for 136 yards with no touchdowns, an interception and a fumble. Shough finished 17-of-30 for 128 yards, no touchdowns and an interception.
Shough said if he gets the nod next week, he feels ready after several months of running the scout team in practice.
“Oh, 100 percent, yeah, I feel ready. I feel ready every single week,” Shough said. “Obviously, it’s good to get there and get some reps but … we’ve got to continue to have that sense of urgency, continue to grow and do everything we can to win.”
