🏈 New Orleans, LA — August 24, 2025
The New Orleans Saints wrapped up their preseason with a 28–19 loss to the Denver Broncos at the Caesars Superdome, closing out their exhibition slate with a winless 0–2–1 record. While the final score may not count toward the regular season, the game offered critical insight into the team’s quarterback competition and depth chart decisions ahead of Week 1.
🔥 Broncos Capitalize on Saints’ Mistakes
Denver’s offense, led by rookie quarterback Bo Nix, opened with two scoring drives, including a 19-yard touchdown pass to Courtland Sutton. Nix finished with 110 yards and a touchdown in just three possessions. Backup Sam Ehlinger took over in the second quarter and threw for 198 yards and a late touchdown to rookie Kyrese Rowan, helping the Broncos seal their second consecutive undefeated preseason.
The Broncos defense forced multiple turnovers, including a strip sack by rookie Que Robinson that led to a touchdown run by Audric Estime. Denver scored nine points off Saints turnovers, which proved to be the difference in the game.
⚖️ Quarterback Battle: Rattler vs. Shough
Saints head coach Kellen Moore gave both Spencer Rattler and rookie Tyler Shough extended reps in what may be the final audition before naming a starter. Rattler completed 5 of 8 passes for 43 yards, while Shough went 12 of 20 for 102 yards and added an 11-yard rushing touchdown. However, Shough also lost a fumble deep in Saints territory, leading to a Broncos score.
Third-stringer Jake Haener played late in the fourth quarter, completing 5 of 9 passes for 37 yards.
🎯 Special Teams Shine
Despite offensive struggles, Saints kickers were a bright spot. Blake Grupe nailed three field goals from 48, 49, and 56 yards, while Charlie Smyth added a 52-yarder. Every Saints point outside of Shough’s touchdown came from the kicking unit.
🚑 Injury Watch
Offensive lineman Landon Young was carted off with a leg injury in the second quarter, and wide receiver Kevin Austin Jr. was evaluated in the injury tent before walking to the locker room. Their status remains uncertain heading into the regular season.
📅 What’s Next
The Saints will host the Arizona Cardinals on September 7 to open the regular season. Coach Moore is expected to announce his starting quarterback in the coming days, with Rattler and Shough still neck-and-neck in the race.
For now, the preseason ends with more questions than answers—but the countdown to meaningful football has officially begun.