Revenge of the Birds
Welcome back one and all.
The Arizona Cardinals take on the New Orleans Saints on Sunday morning and we caught up with the Saints site, Canal Street Chronicles Nic Jennings’ talked all things
I’d say I speak for all of Who Dat Nation when I say Kellen Moore has knocked his first offseason as Saints head coach out of the park.
Whether it’s the immediate culture shift or his emphasis on efficient time management and recovery, he’s received high praise from his players. TE Juwan Johnson said the vibes are as high as they’ve been since the Saints started the 2021 season 5-2 before Jameis Winston’s ACL tear. Additionally, Johnson, C Erik McCoy, and RB Kendre Miller have all said this is the best they’ve felt this deep into the offseason, while veteran DT Davon Godchaux called it the best training camp he’s ever been part of.
DE Chase Young summed it up best when asked about Kellen Moore:
“We love Coach Moore—just what he’s doing right now, what he’s providing to us… He’s won it; he’s bringing all that. He knows how to win, and he’s doing things with us to be in that position also. Can’t say enough about Coach Moore.”
It’s safe to say Moore has won over both the team and the fanbase.
I’d say the decision to roll with Spencer Rattler as the starter was more than justified, even if the numbers don’t fully show it:
Spencer Rattler: 30 of 43 for 295 yards (1 TD, 1 INT, 1 fumble lost)
Tyler Shough: 36 of 53 for 333 yards (1 passing TD, 1 rushing TD, 1 INT, 1 fumble lost)
Rattler was the more consistent QB throughout the offseason. While it may not have shown in the small sample size of preseason games, he took a huge leap after a hard-working offseason and was dominant during training camp.
Whether it was his involvement in the community or his growth as a player, Rattler had a phenomenal offseason, and I can’t wait to see how he looks in Week 1.
Shough, on the other hand, had more trouble handling pressure compared to Rattler, who already has that year under his belt and looked ready for the speed of the NFL.
DC Brandon Staley was sending the house at the QBs all camp, and Shough clearly struggled at times, much like he did in the preseason. His panic led to several bad sacks.
Still, this is an issue that can be fixed, which is why I think it’s best to give Shough time to develop. Even his agent expressed support for the plan on social media. And it’s worth noting, I do believe Shough will see the field at some point this season.
I’m excited to see if either...
