Saints QB Spencer Rattler was perfect at July 27 training camp, dazzling alongside Mason Tipton. See how the rookie is shaking up the QB competition.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Day 4 of Saints training camp delivered the fireworks fans have been waiting for. With the quarterback rotation in full swing, it was Spencer Rattler's turn with the first team, and he didn't waste a single snap. The rookie was perfect in both 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills, capping his day with a beautiful 40-yard touchdown bomb to a streaking Mason Tipton, sending a clear message in the ongoing quarterback competition.
'The pads is the next component ultimately. That's the big piece that still needs to be added to the equation.' - Kellen Moore on the upcoming evaluation.
While Jake Haener and Tyler Shough also took their reps, Sunday belonged to Spencer Rattler. His command of the offense and perfect completion record turned heads, but it was his connection with receiver Mason Tipton that truly electrified the practice. Tipton, who had a quiet 2024, emerged as the day's biggest surprise, making multiple highlight-reel catches and looking like a genuine deep threat. The chemistry between the two was palpable and offered a tantalizing glimpse of what the new Kellen Moore offense could look like with its young playmakers.
Head Coach Kellen Moore, while surely pleased with the offensive display, was quick to put things in perspective. He praised the offensive line's growing cohesion and communication, noting how Will Clapp seamlessly filled in for a resting Erik McCoy. However, Moore emphasized that the true evaluation is yet to come. 'They've done everything we've asked of them,' he told the media, but made it clear that the upcoming padded practices and scrimmage will be the real proving ground for the men in the trenches. This next phase will be crucial in determining not just the starting QB, but the entire offensive identity.
The offense wasn't the only unit making noise. Cornerback Alontae Taylor spoke after practice about the new energy on the other side of the ball, crediting defensive coordinator Brandon Staley. Taylor highlighted the increased competition and focus on communication within the secondary. As NFL Network's Jeffri Chadiha noted on the Saints Podcast, the team is embracing a 'fresh start' on both sides of the ball, and the defense's adaptation to Staley's scheme is a key storyline to watch as camp progresses.
The impressive performances from the younger players were made possible in part by the team's 'sports science' approach. Key veterans like Alvin Kamara, Cameron Jordan, Brandin Cooks, and Davon Godchaux were given rest days. Even while sidelined, players like Cooks and Kamara were visible on social media, actively supporting their teammates. In other camp notes, kicker Blake Grupe had a solid day, hitting 4 of 5 field goals despite light rain, with his only miss coming from 49 yards out.
While Sunday was a significant win for Spencer Rattler and Mason Tipton, the narrative of this training camp is far from written. With Kellen Moore signaling the arrival of padded practices, the intensity is about to ramp up significantly. The battles in the trenches will truly begin, the quarterback competition will face its next big test, and the team will gear up for joint practices in California. Day 4 was exciting, but the real story of the 2025 Saints is just beginning to unfold.
