Rookie QB Tyler Shough is igniting belief, transforming team energy, and potentially rewriting the Saints' future. Is he the answer?
On the latest episode of The State Of The Saints Podcast, TJ Jones dives into the most intriguing storyline in New Orleans right now: rookie quarterback Tyler Shough building real momentum, changing the energy around the team, and starting to look like a potential long-term answer. TJ frames it as more than a “nice stretch” — it’s the kind of surge that can shift how a locker room believes, how the city reacts, and how the front office approaches the future.
Shough is flipping the narrative
TJ argues that Shough is doing the one thing young quarterbacks have to do to earn legitimacy: stacking performances and turning skepticism into genuine belief. He notes that Shough’s early doubts (age, pre-draft chatter, combine perceptions) are beginning to fade as national voices start giving him credit too. The bigger point: Shough isn’t just playing better — he’s changing the temperature around the Saints. (Around 2:26–3:57)
The locker room is buying in
One of the strongest segments centers on how players are responding to Shough’s presence. TJ points to the way veterans and defensive leaders are speaking about him — a sign that belief is forming inside the building, not just among fans. That kind of buy-in matters because it’s often what separates a “hot stretch” from the early stages of a franchise QB story. (Around 4:21–4:55)
Week 16 vs. Jets: trap game vibes
TJ previews the upcoming matchup with the Jets and makes it clear: bad record or not, this game matters. He stresses that New Orleans can’t sleepwalk through it, especially with the way the season has shifted recently. For TJ, it’s another chance for Shough to prove the moment isn’t too big and the progress is real. (Around 5:04–6:36)
Shough’s New Orleans connection feels real
A fun wrinkle in the episode is TJ’s breakdown of how Shough has handled the “being the Saints QB” part — staying in New Orleans, embracing the city, and feeling authentic rather than performative. TJ contrasts that with how some past Saints quarterbacks have come across early in their tenure, and he makes the case that Shough’s approach is already helping him connect with fans and the culture. (Around 7:51–11:11)
If Shough is the guy, the draft plan changes
TJ lays out the domino effect here: if Shough continues to look like a franchise quarterback, the Saints are no longer drafting from a place of desperation. That doesn’t mean New Orleans is “set,” but it changes priorities — especially when TJ highlights the offensive line as a clear area to address. He also mentions the need for another wide receiver and a more dynamic running back to raise the ceiling of the offense. (Around 13:16–18:29)
Extra takes: Mayfield, Ruiz, and an Allen Lazard idea
TJ also touches on the NFC South quarterback hierarchy, noting he still gives Baker Mayfield an edge as the division’s second-best QB (and points to injuries impacting his recent play). He’s critical of Cesar Ruiz during the offensive line discussion. And in a roster-building segment, TJ floats Allen Lazard as a potential addition — specifically as a red zone/short-yardage piece rather than a featured receiver. (Around 15:15–17:56, 22:31–24:10)
Watch the full episode
If you’re following the Saints’ late-season momentum and the Shough conversation is starting to feel real, this episode is a must. TJ breaks down what’s sustainable, what still needs to improve, and why this stretch could matter for more than just the final weeks of the season.