News Summary
The New Orleans Saints are entering a thrilling quarterback competition as the 2025 training camp begins. With Derek Carr’s retirement, Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough are vying for the starting quarterback position. Both NFL hopefuls bring college experience and high school rivalries into this intense competition. As they face off, Saints coach Kellen Moore fosters a collaborative environment, aiming for an exciting season ahead. The buzz around the team’s future grows as Rattler and Shough prepare to showcase their skills and compete for the coveted role.
Excitement in New Orleans: Quarterback Competition Heats Up for the Saints!
The city of New Orleans is buzzing with anticipation as the 2025 training camp kicks off a thrilling quarterback competition for the Saints. With Derek Carr’s retirement opening the door for a new starting position, all eyes are on two quarterbacks, Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough, who are about to take the field head-to-head for the very first time.
A Blast from the Past: High School Rivalry
Before they became quarterback sensations, both Rattler and Shough showcased their talent at two high schools in sunny Arizona. Rattler took center stage at Pinnacle High School, where his team boasted a 6-6 record in 2016. Despite winning all five regional games, the season ended on a bittersweet note after a nail-biting playoff loss to Brophy College Prep, with a score of 52-42.
Meanwhile, Shough was laying the groundwork at Hamilton High School, leading them to a slightly better 7-5 record that same year. Hamilton won a thrilling first-round playoff game, but their journey came to an end with an agonizing 63-60 defeat against Perry High School in the second round. It’s interesting to note that Perry made it to the state title but was ultimately outmatched by Chandler High School—the alma mater of Saints star Cameron Jordan!
Making Waves in High School
The year 2017 saw both these quarterbacks elevate their game. Rattler led Pinnacle to an impressive 9-4 record, throwing five touchdown passes and racking up an astounding 580 passing yards in a first-round playoff victory of 52-7. However, Pinnacle’s second-round match against Chandler proved too tough, ending their playoff dreams with a 77-52 loss.
Shough’s Hamilton team finished with an 8-4 record. They, too, won their first-round playoff game but faced a staggering defeat, falling 72-14 to Perry. It’s worth noting that Perry ultimately lost to Chandler in the championship that year, marking Chandler’s dominance in high school football.
College Careers and NFL Dreams
Fast forward to today, and both players have completed their college football journeys and are now vying for a coveted spot as the Saints’ starting quarterback. Rattler has had a taste of what it’s like to start several NFL games, while Shough was a top-50 draft pick, sealing his spot in professional football.
The College Boys Turn Pros
As training camp unfolds, Rattler and Shough find themselves competing not only against each other but also with the Saints’ third-year quarterback Jake Haener, who is currently sidelined due to an oblique injury, and rookie free agent Hunter Dekkers. Saints head coach Kellen Moore is keen on fostering an environment of learning and collaboration among these young quarterbacks, ensuring they all get a chance to showcase their skills with the first-team offense.
A Clean Slate for Competition
To keep things exciting, Moore has emphasized that this competition holds a “blank slate” for the quarterbacks, allowing them to put their past performances behind them. With Rattler looking to rebound from a challenging rookie year and Shough adapting to new offensive terminology, both players are primed to make the most of this opportunity.
A Lighthearted Competition
As they compete, camaraderie has blossomed among the quarterbacks. The good-natured spirit is palpable, and some playful banter arises from the significance of their jersey numbers—Rattler in number 2 and Shough in number 6. This friendly atmosphere only adds to the excitement of who will ultimately earn the starting position.
As the competition continues, New Orleans can’t help but feel the buzz. With two talented quarterbacks emerging from their Arizona roots, the Saints are poised for an engaging season ahead. Will it be Rattler or Shough who dons the starting quarterback title? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—the future of the Saints looks bright!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
LIVE BALL Resources
Keenan Allen Remains Available as June 1 Approaches
NFL Offseason: Teams to Watch as Predictions for 2025 Begin
NFL Offseason Buzz: Aaron Rodgers Teases Chicago Bears Future as Steelers Speculate
Kentucky Basketball Welcomes New Commitment for 2025-26 Season
Lebanon High School Football Faces Big Changes
University of Miami Football Welcomes Five-Star Tackle Commitment
CA Johnson High School Welcomes New Head Football Coach
Waco Honors Patrick Mahomes with Hall of Fame Induction
Waco Celebrates Texas Football Legends with Hall of Fame Induction
New Orleans Faces New Challenges After Derek Carr’s Retirement
Additional Resources
- USA Today: Saints QB Competition
- Wikipedia: New Orleans Saints
- FOX 8: Saints QB Battle Breakdown
- Google Search: Spencer Rattler High School
- ESPN: Saints NFL QB Competition
- Google Scholar: Tyler Shough
- AtoZ Sports: Saints QB Analysis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Derek Carr
- MSN: Tyler Shough on Saints QB Competition
- Google News: New Orleans Saints 2025