Rookie QB Shough faces a tough Rams defense, while Nacua's return sparks LA's offense. Who will dominate this Week 9 matchup?
The New Orleans Saints head to So-Fi Stadium in Week 9 to face off against the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams boast a top-five offense and defense, while the Saints rank near the bottom of the league in offense and are middle of the pack in defense. Here are the top offensive players to watch in the matchup:
Tyler Shough, Quarterback, Saints
The second-round rookie quarterback has been thrust into the starting role for New Orleans against an explosive young Los Angeles defense. Shough was subbed into the game last week, but this will be his first NFL start. He has been given half a season to learn and develop, in addition to seven years of college football for three different schools.
Kellen Moore has announced that Tyler Shough will be the Saints’ starter for the rest of the season. Shough will be given every opportunity to prove he can be the Black and Gold’s franchise quarterback. His mobility will be an asset in this game, playing behind a struggling Saints’ offensive line while facing an electric Rams pass rush.
Puka Nacua, Wide Receiver, Rams
Nacua is expected to return in Week 9 and will provide a huge boost to the Rams’ passing attack. Before his injury, he led all NFL receivers in yards per game. With his return, the Rams’ offense becomes dangerous and unpredictable. For New Orleans, limiting Nacua’s impact will be essential; he has big-play ability, and his presence forces the defense to allocate more resources to stopping the pass.
Devaughn Vele, Wide Receiver, Saints
In a Saints offense that has struggled to consistently move the ball, Vele is emerging as a breakout option. He saw increased involvement in recent weeks and made an impact with limited touches. The Rams’ secondary has shown vulnerability this year, and Los Angeles even made a trade for cornerback Roger McCreary to improve their depth.
New Orleans is looking for more playmakers, and they will have a new quarterback distributing the ball. Watch for the 6-foot-5 Vele to emerge as a favorite target of Tyler Shough. Vele’s involvement will only be more critical if the Saints trade Chris Olave before the trade deadline.
Kyren Williams, Running Back, Rams
Williams is a key element of the Rams’ offense and presents a challenge for the Saints’ struggling run defense. The run game gives this high-power offense balance and makes it difficult for defenses to determine what play is coming. There will be extra room to run and fewer stacked boxes if Puka Nacua returns.