🏟️ New Orleans, LA — August 18, 2025
The New Orleans Saints clawed back from a 14-point deficit to tie the Jacksonville Jaguars 17–17 in a dramatic preseason showdown Sunday night at the Caesars Superdome, keeping the team’s quarterback competition wide open heading into the final week of camp.
🔄 Quarterback Duel Intensifies
Rookie Tyler Shough got the start for New Orleans, completing 9 of 12 passes for 66 yards. While he showed flashes of promise — including a 28-yard strike to tight end Treyton Welch — the Saints managed just three points in his four drives, trailing 17–3 at halftime.
Enter Spencer Rattler.
The second-year quarterback from South Carolina took over in the second half and delivered a poised performance, going 18-of-24 for 199 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. His defining moment came in the final two minutes: a nine-play, 82-yard drive capped by a 20-yard touchdown pass to Dante Pettis and a gutsy scramble for the game-tying two-point conversion.
Head Coach Kellen Moore praised Rattler’s resilience: “He responded really, really well. Put the team in excellent position, did a great job with situational football in that two-minute drive,” Moore said.
🛡️ Defense Delivers Late
The Saints defense, resting most of its starters, struggled early against Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who went 8-of-10 for 76 yards and a touchdown. But the unit tightened up in the second half, forcing two red zone turnovers and sealing the tie with a last-second interception by rookie safety Jonas Sanker.
📊 Key Performers
• Spencer Rattler: 199 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 2-point conversion
• Tyler Shough: 66 yards, 0 TD
• Mason Tipton: 6 catches, 100 yards
• Jonas Sanker: Game-saving interception
• Charlie Smyth & Blake Grupe: Combined for three field goals
🏁 What’s Next?
The Saints (0-1-1) wrap up their preseason Saturday against the Denver Broncos. With no clear frontrunner in the QB race, all eyes will be on Rattler and Shough as they vie for the starting role before final roster cuts.