Shough's dual-threat magic and a dominant defense propelled the Saints to their most complete win, reshaping their future and proving they're turning a corner.
This episode of State of the Saints centers on New Orleans’ 24-20 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 14 — a performance TJ Jones identifies as the team’s most complete outing of the season. The breakdown highlights how the Saints delivered balanced, complementary football across offense, defense, and special teams, marking a significant step forward under head coach Kellen Moore.
A key focus of the episode is quarterback Tyler Shough, whose progression was a major storyline. While his passing numbers were modest, the analysis emphasizes his dual-threat capability, composure, and leadership in critical moments. Shough delivered two rushing touchdowns, including a 34-yard burst and a decisive 13-yard game-winning scramble, showcasing the dynamic element he brings to the offense. TJ Jones suggests this performance meaningfully reshapes the team’s long-term outlook at quarterback, positioning Shough as a potential franchise option and reducing urgency around the 2026 NFL Draft at the position. His developing chemistry with the Saints’ offensive personnel is also noted as an important trend.
Defensively, the episode highlights measurable improvement. Now ranked 12th in total defense, the unit is characterized as a young, evolving group with the foundation to become a top-tier defense with additional offseason additions. TJ Jones outlines areas for reinforcement — including interior defensive line, hybrid linebacker/pass rusher depth, and ball production in the secondary — while underscoring the defense’s ability to deliver timely fourth-down stops against Tampa Bay.
The episode frames the victory as a pivotal cultural moment for a team already eliminated from playoff contention. The effort, discipline, and execution against a playoff-caliber opponent reflect what TJ describes as the Saints beginning to “turn a corner,” playing with greater clarity, physicality, and confidence. The performance is presented as both a benchmark and a potential launching point for the team’s continued development.