Saints make massive QB decision in second half vs. Buccaneers

by: Chandler Vessels 47 minutes ago ChandlerVessels

Jan 5, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler (18) drops back to passs against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The New Orleans Saints have benched starting quarterback Spencer Rattler in the second half of Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Rookie Tyler Shough entered in his place with just under four minutes to go in the third quarter.

Shough, whom the Saints selected in the second round of the draft this offseason, received cheers from the crowd as he trotted onto the field. It will be his second appearance of this year as he also played briefly against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 21.

Saints fans cheer as rookie QB Tyler Shough enters the game to replace Spencer Rattler.

: FOX pic.twitter.com/NTGV5s5G3J

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 26, 2025

New Orleans trailed 17-3 at the time they made the switch at QB, with Rattler already having an interception and a fumble on the day. We’ll see whether Shough can provide a spark for the offense to close the game out.

The change occurred after the Saints went three-and-out on the previous drive and then gave up a field goal to the Buccaneers. Unfortunately, Shough didn’t do much better on his first drive after entering to replace Rattler, which ended in an interception.

Rattler started the first eight games of this season and put up 1,450 yards passing and eight touchdowns to four interceptions. He also had 155 yards rushing, but the Saints were a mere 1-6 on the season.

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