Tyler Shough’s Strong Finish Has Saints Believing Again - And Year Two Could Be Even Bigger
Tyler Shough wasn’t supposed to be the guy. Not this soon, anyway. When the New Orleans Saints made the call to hand the rookie quarterback the keys to the offense in late October, there were plenty of raised eyebrows around the league - including from former NFL player and current analyst Bucky Brooks, who admitted he had his doubts.
But Shough didn’t just step in. He showed up. Big time.
Over the final eight games of the season, Shough completed nearly 70 percent of his passes, racking up 2,080 yards, nine touchdowns, and just four interceptions. Add in three scores on the ground, and you’ve got a young quarterback who didn’t just manage games - he elevated the Saints down the stretch, winning five of those eight contests. That kind of production, poise, and playmaking has people in New Orleans - and around the league - wondering if they’ve finally found their next franchise quarterback since Drew Brees hung up his cleats.
Brooks, for one, is on board now. He called Shough’s late-season surge “eye-popping” and suggested that the 25-year-old might just be the long-term answer under center the Saints have been searching for. And with the NFC South still very much up for grabs, Shough’s rise could put New Orleans right back in the playoff picture sooner than expected.
A Glimpse of What’s to Come?
What makes Shough’s rookie campaign even more impressive is what he didn’t have. The Saints’ offensive line was a revolving door due to injuries, the wide receiver room was depleted, and the backfield was a patchwork of backups and practice squad call-ups.
Still, Shough managed to produce 2,384 passing yards, 186 rushing yards, and 13 total touchdowns. That’s not just surviving - that’s thriving in less-than-ideal conditions.
If any part of that supporting cast had been healthier, we might be talking about an even more explosive rookie season. And that’s what makes year two so intriguing.
Shough heads into the offseason as the clear QB1. No more questions.
No more waiting in the wings. He’s the guy now, and with a full offseason to prepare as the starter - plus, ideally, a healthier roster around him - the stage is set for a major leap in 2026.
Avoiding the Sophomore Slump
Of course, the NFL has a way of humbling young quarterbacks. Defensive coordinators now have tape on Shough.
They’ll adjust. The question is: can he stay ahead of the curve?
With a full complement of weapons and a more stable offensive line, Shough won’t just have to match his rookie production - he’ll need to evolve. The Saints are counting on it. But based on what we saw in the back half of his first season, there’s reason to believe he’s up to the task.
This isn’t just about stats. It’s about command.
It’s about leadership. And it’s about making the kinds of plays in key moments that win games.
Shough showed flashes of all of that already. Now he gets a full season to prove it wasn’t a fluke.
The Saints may have stumbled into their quarterback of the future. And if Tyler Shough’s rookie year was just the beginning, then 2026 could be the season he puts the rest of the league on notice.