The Los Angeles Rams might have to wait until midweek to know who they’ll face under center when the New Orleans Saints visit SoFi Stadium in Week 9.
After a dismal 23–3 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saints head coach Kellen Moore benched starter Spencer Rattler for rookie Tyler Shough. The move came after weeks of offensive inconsistency and turnover issues that have plagued New Orleans throughout the first half of the season.
“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 via ESPN’s Katherine Terrell. “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.”
Moore reiterated those comments Monday, telling reporter Mike Triplett that the Saints had “just got done closing the book” on the Tampa Bay game and would soon begin planning for the Rams.
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Rattler’s Turnovers Catch Up To Him
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Rattler’s issues have been mounting. Over his past two games, he’s committed six turnovers — four against the Bears and two more in the first half versus Tampa Bay — while taking seven sacks in his last six quarters. Once considered a bright spot for a rebuilding team, Rattler has now fallen to 1–13 as a starter dating back to last season.
“I mean, we came out of the half, didn’t have a big drive … just really couldn’t catch a rhythm,” Rattler said. “He said, ‘Hey, we’re going to go with Tyler, get a little spark.’ It’s part of the game, and I understand.”
A New Spark or More of the Same?
Shough, who completed 17 of 30 passes for 128 yards and an interception in relief, said the decision caught him off guard. “It was just in the moment. … Told me to get ready to go. That was it,” he said.
Whether Moore sticks with the veteran Rattler or turns to Shough for his first NFL start, the Saints’ quarterback decision could shape their season — and determine how the Rams prepare for a pivotal Week 9 matchup.
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