Kellen Moore Sticks with Rattler Despite Struggles, but Saints Fans Wonder: Why Not Try Shough?

In the wake of the New Orleans Saints’ 31-10 blowout loss to the Chicago Bears, fans are left with more questions than answers—none bigger than the one surrounding the quarterback position. Spencer Rattler, the team’s rookie starter, had a rough outing, committing four turnovers and failing to establish any rhythm. But when asked whether he considered making a switch at quarterback, head coach Kellen Moore didn’t hesitate: “No,” he said.

That answer may not sit well with Saints fans, especially considering who’s sitting behind Rattler on the depth chart: Tyler Shough, another rookie, drafted just one round after Rattler. While Rattler came into the season as the presumed starter, the Saints invested significant draft capital in Shough, a second-round pick and one of the oldest quarterbacks in his rookie class. That maturity and college experience were part of what made him an intriguing option for a team potentially looking for a steady hand.

On paper, this would have been the perfect opportunity to give Shough a look. Rattler was clearly rattled, throwing three interceptions and losing a fumble. The offense was stagnant, managing just one touchdown, and the crowd at the Caesars Superdome let their frustration be known. With the game slipping away and little to lose, fans saw a logical opening to test their backup.

Instead, Moore chose to ride it out with Rattler, a move that shows either a strong commitment to his development—or a reluctance to admit a misfire in a winnable game. Moore, in his first year as head coach, has consistently backed Rattler as the team’s starter. But after a performance like this one, that confidence will be tested both inside and outside the building.

It’s important to note that not all of Rattler’s struggles can be pinned solely on him. The offensive line allowed constant pressure, and the run game was nonexistent. However, turnovers are a quarterback’s burden, and Rattler’s decision-making was questionable throughout the afternoon.

For fans, the bigger concern might be what message this sends about Shough. If the coaching staff didn’t even consider him in such a dire situation, does that signal a lack of confidence in his readiness? Or was this more about sticking to a plan and giving Rattler every opportunity to learn and grow?

As the Saints sit at a crossroads early in the season, the quarterback situation will remain under a microscope. Whether Moore’s decision to stay the course pays off or opens the door for more scrutiny remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: patience in New Orleans is wearing thin, and the clock might be ticking on how long Rattler can hold off the next man up.