The Saints quarterback has pushed the Saints offense into 2026 with optimism
The former Louisville quarterback, Tyler Shough, is making a strong case to remain the Saints' starting quarterback despite the temptation to select a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft. With two consecutive divisional wins over the Bucs and Panthers, Shough has led late drives to victories and shown poise in the biggest moments of the game. Despite not starting the season under center, the Saints have to be pleased with Shough's progress, with the idea of his play improving with more experience.
Pro Football Focus has ranked the top 15 rookies through Week 15, and Shough stands at number four.
Here is what Lauren Gray of PFF has to say about the rookie:
4. QB Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints (77.4)
Shough recorded the ninth-best PFF passing grade in Week 15 (80.7), helping the Saints sweep the season series with the Panthers. He completed 24 of 32 passes for 272 yards and tossed his sixth touchdown of the season late in the fourth quarter. The score came on third-and-6, a 12-yard pass to Chris Olave with a diving Jaycee Horn in coverage, to bring the Saints within one point. Shough also threw for a season-high 15 first downs. While he didn’t record any big-time throws, he also didn’t commit any turnover-worthy plays.
As a runner, Shough logged eight carries for 32 yards, two first downs and a forced missed tackle. His longest rush was a 13-yard scramble midway through the third quarter.
The second-round pick from Louisville is sporting a 75.0 PFF passing grade for the season. His 66.7% completion rate ranks first among rookie signal-callers and fifth overall at the position since he took over in Week 8. His 1,484 passing yards are also the most among rookie quarterbacks.
Shough has thrown five picks, but he has the sixth-best turnover-worthy play rate entering Week 16 (1.9%). He was sacked five times in Week 15 (tied for most), bringing his season-long total to 22 (tied for the fifth most since Week 8). However, he has been faulted for only five of them, as the Saints rank among the lower half of teams in PFF pass-blocking grade (64.9).
The 26-year-old's 73.1 PFF rushing grade places 11th at the position, powered by 36 carries for 138 yards, two scores and nine first downs. He has five runs of 10 or more yards and has forced six missed tackles.
With three weeks left, Shough can convince the Saints' front office to put more pieces around him. Kellen Moore has to be through the roof with the rookie's play down the stretch.