Former South Carolina QB loses starting job to rookie Tyler Shough

Former South Carolina star Spencer Rattler saw his NFL lifeline thread thin this week, as the New Orleans Saints pulled the plug on his starting quarterback run and elevated rookie Tyler Shough into the driver's seat. Once hailed as the transfer savior at South Carolina, Rattler now finds himself on the sidelines after a brutal 1-13 as a starter with six turnovers, four interceptions, and two fumbles. For Gamecock Nation who watched him at Williams-Brice Stadium, it's a tough break for the fan favorite QB.

Rattler earned the starting quarterback job out of training camp, but has struggled as of late. In his recent matchups, he has turned the ball over multiple times and the offensive line has failed to protect him. Rattler's statistics tell part of the story, while a completion rate of 68% isn't awful, his efficiency metrics such as yards per attempt are among the weakest in the league. The Saints are 1-7 and dragging.

Shough, a second-round pick from Louisville will now get his first NFL start against the Los Angeles Rams. Shough made three appearances for the Saints in the preseason, throwing for 333 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

By switching up quarterbacks midseason, the Saints made it clear that the current approach with Rattler was not acceptable. Coach Kellen Moore benched Rattler midway through Sunday's loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and stated that he would take 48 hours to decide on who would start. Shough completed 17 of 30 passes for 128 yards, one interception, and no touchdowns in that game after entering with the Saints trailing 17-3.