Context:

The New Orleans Saints are the last team to decide their starting quarterback, with the competition between Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough going down to the final preseason game against the Denver Broncos. Both quarterbacks have shown similar performances in preseason, with Rattler completing 25 of 35 passes for 252 yards and Shough completing 24 of 34 passes for 231 yards, each with one touchdown and one interception. Rattler, a fifth-round pick from South Carolina, struggled last season due to injuries impacting the team, failing to secure a win when Derek Carr was unavailable. Shough, a rookie who turned 26, has a commendable college career and is noted for his arm talent, with some coaches rating him higher than the top draft pick Cameron Ward. The close competition reflects both quarterbacks' comparable statistics and experience, leaving the decision to be made after the final preseason evaluations by the new coach, Kellen Moore.

Dive Deeper:

• The Saints are the last NFL team yet to decide on a starting quarterback, with the choice between Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough expected to be determined after their final preseason game against the Broncos.

• Rattler has completed 25 of 35 preseason passes for 252 yards, with one touchdown and one interception, while Shough has shown similar performance with 24 completions out of 34 attempts for 231 yards, also throwing one touchdown and one interception.

• Rattler, who was a fifth-round pick last season, struggled as a starter during the previous year when Derek Carr was injured, resulting in a winless record for both him and fellow backup Jake Haener.

• Shough, a rookie and former college quarterback at Oregon, Texas Tech, and Louisville, has been praised for his physical attributes and throwing capability, with some evaluators even ranking him above the No. 1 draft pick Cameron Ward.

• The competition is tight due to the similar preseason statistics and experiences of both quarterbacks, making it a challenging decision for new coach Kellen Moore, who intends to fully evaluate both players during the remaining practice sessions and final game.

• Rattler's past season was impacted by a team riddled with injuries, contributing to his and the team’s poor performance when he was under center.

• Shough's college career concluded with a strong season at Louisville, achieving a 21-11 record as a starter and finishing with 3,195 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions in his final year.