Moore praises Shough's remarkable rookie turnaround, transforming a struggling Saints squad. Discover the rookie's impact and the team's bright quarterback future.
The New Orleans Saints (6-11) and their rookie quarterback Tyler Shough completed their 2025 season on Sunday in a 19-17 loss to the Atlanta Falcons (8-9). The close setback capped a nine-game sample for Shough as starting quarterback.
Shough came in for a Saints team that had a 1-7 record and not much to show in the way of direction and positive trajectory. He exited the season with a 5-4 record as starter that included a four-game winning streak before a loss in the last game of the year.
Saints head coach Kellen Moore discussed what Shough accomplished over his time as a starter and how much he improved over the course of the year.
“What Tyler’s done, his development, his growth, his ability to learn from each and every experience, he’s put a ton of good football out there. Obviously we’re all going to continue to try and improve and get better collectively as a football team, and certainly individually. And so I’m excited for what he’ll have for this offseason.”
The impressive rookie campaign was not without its rookie moments. One of the rookie moments came on Sunday against the Falcons. Down 16-10, Shough threw an interception that would ultimately put the game out of reach against Atlanta. Nevertheless, what the quarterback did with an injury ridden squad down the stretch was certainly impressive in the final few games.
Shough shared his impression of how his teammates rose to the moment against the Falcons despite being shorthanded.
“Just unbelievable job by everybody stepping up. Against that defense here, credit to them, because they’re a really good team, but credit to our guys for showing up and battling.”
What the Saints will look like next season is uncertain. New Orleans enters the offseason set to be a good amount over the salary cap as it rebounds from past overspending. The team will need to have a strong draft and make frugal decisions to build a competitive roster this offseason. Even so, the team has the right quarterback around which to build. And when you have the right quarterback, as this year's four-game winning streak would indicate, everything else can fall into place.
The future is not bleak in New Orleans like it appeared to be earlier in the season. The future is bright, and perhaps most likely because of who will lead the team at quarterback for the foreseeable future. Shough will look to build on his rookie campaign next season.