The New Orleans Saints weren’t able to pull off the comeback against the Chicago Bears, falling 26-14 in Week 7 of the 2025 NFL season at Soldier Field. Here’s the biggest overreaction from this weekend’s
matchup:
It’s time for the Saints to replace Spencer Rattler with Tyler Shough.
Look, I know what we saw from Rattler on Sunday in Chicago was less than encouraging: 20-of-32 passing for 233 yards and two touchdowns, along with a fumble and three interceptions—the first time in his career he’s thrown three picks in a game—while posting a season-low passer rating of 66.3.
Through six games, Rattler had been pretty good at avoiding putting the ball in harm’s way, though he’s had some trouble holding onto the football when sacked. On the year, Rattler has four interceptions and three fumbles (two lost).
Given this was his first matchup against his former head coach Dennis Allen—and with the constant chatter throughout the week about him facing the guy who replaced him at Oklahoma, Caleb Williams—I’ll cut Rattler some slack this week. It was truly his first poor performance of the season, and aside from Week 7, he’s exceeded expectations each week.
In terms of replacing him with Tyler Shough, I see that as an overreaction, especially considering what we saw from Rattler last season with such a limited supporting cast. You’re essentially setting your rookie quarterback up for failure, and I didn’t agree with that approach last year either. If you’re going to start the season with a rookie QB, that’s one thing—but throwing him into the dumpster fire of a 1-6 football team is an unfair situation to expect him to succeed in.
Head coach Kellen Moore was asked if, at any point during Sunday’s matchup, he considered turning to Shough over Rattler. He clarified that it was never a thought on his mind. Moore clearly believes in Rattler, and Shough’s time will come—but one bad game doesn’t mean you put your rookie quarterback in a tough position to start his career.
Moore also committed to starting Rattler in Week 8 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, noting that the Bears’ defense has forced turnovers on everyone this season and that Rattler just has to learn from it. He added that the team will take it week by week when asked if they might start Shough at any point this season.
