Saints Lose to Broncos in Preseason Finale

Saints Face QB Dilemma After 28-19 Preseason Loss to Broncos

Quarterback Decision Looms for New Orleans

New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore acknowledged that selecting a starting quarterback for Week 1 remains a difficult decision following a 28-19 preseason loss to the Denver Broncos on Saturday in New Orleans.

Moore is weighing rookie Tyler Shough against second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler, noting that "it's a challenging one because these guys have put everything into this. They've been very, very close."

Shough’s Performance

Shough accounted for the Saints’ only touchdown, scoring on an 11-yard read-option run. He completed 12 of 20 passes for 102 yards, guiding two scoring drives. One ended in a Blake Grupe field goal—one of three he made from beyond 47 yards.

Despite the positives, Shough’s outing included a lost fumble on a sack by Que Robinson, which set up a 5-yard touchdown run by Denver’s Audric Estime.

Moore praised Shough’s ability to “use his feet pretty well” but emphasized that mistakes factored into the evaluation.

Rattler’s Effort

Rattler started the game, completing 5 of 8 passes for 43 yards. He led two drives that resulted in Grupe field goals, but another stalled when he was stopped on fourth-and-1 during a keeper.

Moore noted that Rattler “went through some progressions really well, found some guys.” Rattler himself said the offense “moved the ball pretty well” under his direction but acknowledged the unit’s shortcomings on third down (0-for-3).

Moore’s Approach Going Forward

While other quarterbacks may become available before Tuesday’s roster cut deadline, Moore indicated he intends to stick with Rattler and Shough.“We’ve invested and poured a lot into these guys. They’re young guys. They’re going to keep growing,” he said.

Denver’s Quarterback Display

The Broncos, improving to 3-0 in preseason, have clarity at quarterback. Bo Nix led the first-team offense, completing 10 of 14 passes for 110 yards and a touchdown. His scoring pass went to Courtland Sutton, who caught four passes for 83 yards.

Denver’s offense produced multiple early scoring drives before Sam Ehlinger entered in the second quarter. Ehlinger threw for 198 yards on 22-of-31 passing with one touchdown to rookie Kyrese Rowan and one interception.

Broncos head coach Sean Payton, returning to the Superdome sideline for the first time since leading the Saints from 2006–2021, praised his quarterbacks: “Sam did a fantastic job. Some of his gifts are with his feet, his athleticism. There's a little moxie and leadership to him.”

Katrina Remembrance

Ahead of kickoff, the Saints observed a moment of silence marking the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Payton, reflecting on his first season in New Orleans when much of the city was still recovering, described the 2006 playoff run as more significant than the team’s 2009 Super Bowl win, calling it “part of something much bigger than we ever expected.”

Injuries

• Saints: Offensive linemen Landon Young (ankle, carted off) and Shane Lemieux (ankle) sustained injuries. Receiver Kevin Austin Jr. also left for evaluation.

• Broncos: Running back Blake Watson left the game after being attended to on the field in the fourth quarter.

What’s Next

The Saints (0-2-1) will host the Arizona Cardinals on September 7 in their regular-season opener.The Broncos (3-0) open at home against the Tennessee Titans the same day.