Tyler Shough Sparks Saints Revival, Climbs into AP Rookie of the Year Race
Tyler Shough didn’t just take over the Saints’ offense-he’s given New Orleans a reason to believe again. After stepping in for Spencer Rattler following a 1-7 start, the former Louisville quarterback has helped turn the tide. The Saints are now 4-3 with Shough under center, riding a three-game win streak and showing signs of life that were hard to find earlier in the season.
And on Sunday, Shough delivered his most complete performance yet.
Facing the Jets, Shough put together a clinic-efficient, composed, and in full control. He went 32-of-49 for 308 yards and a touchdown, leading the Saints to a commanding 29-6 win.
It wasn’t just another solid outing; it was a statement. With that win, Shough now owns four victories as a starter and has officially vaulted himself into the thick of the AP Rookie of the Year conversation.
His numbers tell the story: 1,792 passing yards, a 66.4% completion rate, seven touchdowns, and 176 completions. That’s not just solid for a rookie-it’s impressive for any quarterback stepping into a struggling team midseason.
And the timing couldn’t be better. With just two games left, Shough has surged to +380 in the ROY odds, now sitting just behind Panthers wideout Tetairoa McMillan, who remains the frontrunner at -330.
McMillan’s been outstanding in his own right-65 catches, 924 yards, and seven touchdowns-but Shough is closing the gap, and fast. If he can keep this momentum going through the final two weeks, the race could come down to the wire.
Let’s not forget where this Saints team was when Shough took the reins. At 1-7, things were spiraling.
Now, at 5-10, they’ve got a shot to finish 7-10 with winnable games ahead against the Titans (3-12) and Falcons (6-9). That kind of turnaround, led by a rookie quarterback, is the type of narrative that voters remember.
For Louisville fans, this run has been something special. Shough’s emergence has brought back memories of Teddy Bridgewater’s 2014 campaign-the last time a former Cardinal took home Rookie of the Year honors. Now, more than a decade later, they’re watching another one of their own make a serious push for the same award.
The Saints may not be playoff-bound, but they’ve found something real in Tyler Shough: a poised, accurate, and confident quarterback who’s proving he belongs-and who just might finish the season as the best rookie in the league.