The New Orleans Saints have opened their Organized Team Activities (OTAs) with a notable development: a quarterback competition that promises to bring fresh excitement to the team’s offseason training. Following the retirement of veteran quarterback Derek Carr on May 10, the starting quarterback position has become highly contested among four young players: Tyler Shough, Jake Haener, Spencer Rattler, and Hunter Dekkers.
Jake Haener, a third-year quarterback dealing with an oblique strain. Though he’s out with his injury, he’s undoubtedly the most important piece in making this competition so exciting. He has the knowledge of nine different offensive systems from his seven year playing career. This varied toolbox should serve him well as he competes for a starting job. Despite his injury, Haener is optimistic about his development, stating that he feels “more confident than he did at this point last year.”
Spencer Rattler, a second-year quarterback and the most experienced player in the group, faces pressure as he attempts to rebound from a challenging previous season where he went 0-6 as a starter. Rattler, who went in the fifth round last year. Getting started Now, he’s intent on developing off the positive strides he made in his first NFL season. He made no excuses for the challenges of his inaugural season, but never shied away from reinforcing his commitment move forward.
“I think last year was not a normal situation… I learned that I can get through adversity, I could play at this level and felt good about it,” – Spencer Rattler
The Saints’ coaching staff, headed by first-year head coach Kellen Moore, has made it clear that this is a battle worth winning. Moore said all the quarterbacks will get a chance to run with the first-team offense during OTAs this spring. He works to create a culture that focuses on results. Within this framework, athletes can devote their energy to honing their craft, rather than worrying where they’ll land on the depth chart.
“I don’t want them to get into [a state] where they’re always looking at who’s in, who’s out,” – Kellen Moore
Tyler Shough has been one of the real bright spots early in OTAs. He delivered an impressive deep pass to wide receiver Rashid Shaheed that hinted at his full potential. Shough said he’s looking forward to working with his fellow quarterbacks. He pointed out that the fact they are such a similar age and experience level has developed a unique language amongst them.
“It’s been really good. Yeah, it’s been a lot of fun. I mean, we’re all around the same age, speak the same language,” – Tyler Shough
Hunter Dekkers adds to the other young guns competing to seize that starting spot right away. While he may not have garnered as much attention as his counterparts, Dekkers brings his own skill set and determination to the mix.
The Saints have seemingly left little doubt that they wouldn’t hurry up and name a starting quarterback. Rather, they hope to give these young players plenty of room to feel themselves out over the course of the summer. The plan at least for now would be to keep rotating until they feel comfortable making a choice.
For each of these quarterbacks, this offseason represents a new beginning. The newly expanded opportunity to compete for the job on opening day provides a wide open slate for each player to prove their progress and fortitude.
“You got to go in there and operate… You got brand new faces, the expectations, you got to go out there and perform and I love it,” – Tyler Shough
Adam Trautwig though Jake Haener undeterred by underdog status Jake Haener hasn’t let his underdog journey deter him — it’s become part of the journey itself. He stated that he has always faced challenges throughout his career but is determined to do what he does best: play football.
“I’ve been the underdog at every stage, everywhere I’ve been, so it’s nothing new to me. Just go do my thing,” – Jake Haener
Spencer Rattler gave some interesting thoughts about his confidence level heading into Year 2 of his professional career. He admits that despite having periods of high and low success, staying positive is key.
“I feel like I’ve always been pretty confident… but I guess you could say I’m a little more comfortable now going into Year 2,” – Spencer Rattler
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