Spencer Rattler to start in Saints preseason opener Sunday against Chargers

Todd Graffagnini

1. Quick Hits:

Friday marked the 13th training camp practice for the New Orleans Saints, the second in Irvine, Calif., and featured a 66-play "call it" scrimmage, featuring extra points, field goals, and special teams periods with kickoffs and punts. Practice time was 4 p.m. Pacific with a temperature of 80 degrees, and a stiff breeze out of the southwest at 15mph. Players not participating in the scrimmage were wide receiverChris Olave(ankle), defensive tackleBryan Bresee(illness) and defensive backRico Payton(illness). After the scrimmage,Coach Kellen Mooretold everyone the answer to the one question people have been asking for the last two weeks. Who would start the first preseason game Sunday vs. the Los Angeles Chargers?Spencer Rattler will start the game, followed byTyler Shough, thenJake Haener. Moore also stressed that just because this was the rotation Sunday, it does not mean that would be the rotation on opening day against the Arizona Cardinals. The amount of reps for each quarterback Sunday will depend on the flow of the game. Moore also mentioned that the quarterbacks were informed of the decision before Friday's scrimmage. It was a tough day for kickerCharlie Smyth, who battled the aforementioned wind, as he missed all of his field-goal attempts wide right from 41, 50, and 44 yards. Smyth did make all of his extra-point attempts..

2. Offensive Play of the Day:

There were plenty to choose from, so let's get to it. Rattler capped off an opening drive of nine plays and 65 yards with a beautiful touchdown pass toRashid Shaheedof 31 yards down the left sideline. Shough hit wide receiverBub Meanson a right sideline pass that Means somehow came down with for 11 yards, despite excellent coverage byJayden Price. A few plays later, Rattler foundBrandin Cookson a tremendous back shoulder throw and a better catch by Cooks for 12 yards. Shough had his own 65-yard drive one series later. This one took only five plays, and the last three were outstanding. On first down at the plus 47-yard line, Shough avoided a blitz from defensive endJasheen Davis, and rolled toward the right sideline, and uncorked one deep down the sideline where wide receiverDante Pettismade the catch in traffic (my personal play of the day). The gain would be 32 yards to the plus-25. On the next play, Shough stood tall and calmly delivered a quick slant to the speedyMason Tiptonwho by all accounts scored a touchdown. Much to the chagrin of the entire offensive sideline, the official ruling was down at the 2-yard line. Shough then made it moot by executing a perfect fake on a read option to running backCam Akers, and kept it himself, finding nothing but Bermuda grass for the easy touchdown. Two series later, Rattler on a third-and-goal from the five, threw a self-admitted ill-advised back foot pass to the back left pylon of the west end zone whereCedrick Wilson Jr.would somehow come down with it, despite being surrounded by black jerseys. Finally, Shough added his second touchdown on a third-and-goal from the 3. First avoiding a would be sack byChase Youngand tossing a perfect floater toKevin Austin Jr.for the touchdown.

3. Defensive Play of the Day:

Plenty to choose from here as well. Solid plays by linebackersDemario DavisandPete Wernerlittered the first drive. On Shough's second drive on a fourth-and-1 from the minus 44-yard line, linebackerNephi Sewellstuffed running backClyde Edwards-Helaire, denying a first down and a turnover on downs. Rookie edge rusherFadil Diggsregistered three sacks Friday, including two drive stoppers on Shough, both on third down plays. Linebacker Jaylan Ford had his second straight solid day, this time stuffing running backVelus Jones Jr.on a third-and-two with a vicious tackle for loss. Finally, the only interception of the day occurred withJake Haenerat quarterback. At the plus 40-yard line Haener tried a pass over the middle of the field about 10 yards intended forKevin Austin Jr.The ball was tipped straight up in the air by linebackerIsaiah Stalbird, and fluttered into the waiting arms of rookie safetyJonas Sankerwho grabbed the pick and brought it back for 10 yards. We'll enjoy an off day Saturday, and the next time we will talk it will be preseason football action as the Saints take on the Chargers from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. Game time is 1:05 p.m. local and 3:05 p.m. back in New Orleans, and can be seen on Fox-8 with Joel Meyers, Jon Stinchcomb and Erin Summers on the call, and on WWL Radio with Mike Hoss, Deuce McAllister and Jeff Nowak. See you Sunday!