As the New Orleans Saints prepare for the upcoming NFL season, offensive coordinator Kellen Moore is drawing on his experience working with Dak Prescott to help his quarterbacks get ready. With the regular season opener against the Arizona Cardinals less than a month away, Moore faces a tough decision among Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener, and rookie Tyler Shough to determine the starting quarterback.
Moore emphasized the variety of playing styles within the quarterback group, saying this diversity allows each player to bring something unique to the offense. His background includes working closely with Prescott and other top quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts and Justin Herbert, experiences he is now using to shape the Saints’ quarterback room.
Moore Highlights Diverse Influences in Quarterback Development
When asked about the film and examples he has been showing his quarterbacks, Moore said the players have been exposed to a wide range of styles. He explained,
“I think that is the beauty of these guys, they can all play different styles and presentations. Being around Dak (Prescott), some may be playing towards Jalen (Hurts) or Justin (Herbert). We’re pulling from those exposures, which have been great.”
This broad perspective is helping each quarterback adapt and improve their skills as the team finalizes its starter.
Moore’s tenure as offensive coordinator with the Dallas Cowboys and LA Chargers provided him extensive insight into the strengths and strategies of premier NFL quarterbacks. His work with the Philadelphia Eagles last season helped Jalen Hurts enhance his ability to handle pressure, particularly in blitz situations, a skill Moore aims to instill in Shough and the other contenders.
Tyler Shough’s Preseason Performance and Future Outlook
Tyler Shough, the Saints’ second-round rookie, has shown noticeable growth as he competes for the QB1 role. Though he did not start in the preseason opener against the LA Chargers, Shough’s time on the field was valuable. After entering the game, Shough experienced setbacks, including a pick-six, but recovered to complete 15 of 22 passes for 165 yards and connected with Mason Tipton for a touchdown that energized fans.
Looking ahead, Moore confirmed that Shough will take the field again in the team’s second preseason matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. This game, along with performances by Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener, will be critical in determining who secures the starting quarterback position as the regular season approaches.
Moore’s task remains to take Shough’s evident potential and develop him into a leading NFL quarterback, using lessons learned from his time with Prescott and other elite players. How the competition unfolds in the next few weeks will shape the Saints’ offense going forward.