The New Orleans Saints are quietly turning heads - even if the national power rankings haven’t quite caught up yet. Three straight wins, including a dominant 29-6 thrashing of the Jets, haven’t been enough to shake the narrative around this team. But make no mistake: something is brewing in the Big Easy, and it starts with rookie quarterback Tyler Shough.
Let’s break it down.
A Rookie QB Making Noise
Since stepping into the starting role in Week 9, Shough has gone 4-3 - and that’s with a banged-up offense missing key contributors. But the second-round pick has shown poise, confidence, and a growing command of the offense that’s hard to ignore.
In Sunday’s win, he became the first Saints quarterback in two years to crack the 300-yard mark, finishing with 308 yards through the air. That’s not just a stat - it’s a signal.
Shough isn’t just managing games; he’s making plays.
What’s more impressive? He’s completed at least 65 percent of his passes in each of his last six games.
That kind of consistency is rare for a rookie, especially one who wasn’t expected to take over this early. But here he is, leading a team that suddenly looks a lot more dangerous than its record suggests.
Kellen Moore’s Blueprint Taking Shape
Head coach Kellen Moore deserves his share of the credit. This team looked rudderless earlier in the season, but over the last month, the Saints have found an identity - and it starts with Moore’s system finally clicking. The offense is sharper, the execution cleaner, and the energy unmistakable.
Moore’s also helped build a structure around Shough that plays to the rookie’s strengths. Quick reads, smart route combinations, and a balanced attack have allowed the young quarterback to settle in and grow week by week.
And Moore knows what he has: “Tyler’s brought a really positive spark to us, some consistency,” he said after the Jets win. “I love where he’s at.”
The Power Rankings Say One Thing - The Tape Says Another
Despite the on-field progress, the Saints haven’t seen much love in the latest round of power rankings. Most outlets have them hovering in the low 20s - ESPN and Bleacher Report both have them at No. 24, while FOX Sports is slightly more optimistic at No.
- Even after dismantling the Jets, Sports Illustrated dropped them a spot to No.
Some of that skepticism stems from the bigger picture. With three straight wins, the Saints have likely played themselves out of a top-five draft pick - a move that might frustrate fans thinking long-term.
But that’s missing the point. This isn’t about draft positioning anymore.
This is about momentum, development, and maybe - just maybe - finding your quarterback of the future without having to spend a top-three pick to get him.
Veterans Still in the Picture
There’s another layer to this story: the veterans. Alvin Kamara, Taysom Hill, Cam Jordan - they’re still here, still contributing, and still invested.
That matters. Navigating the next phase of this roster - blending aging stars with a new wave of talent - will be one of Moore’s biggest challenges.
But it also gives the Saints a foundation of leadership that many rebuilding teams lack.
What’s Next?
With two games left in the regular season, the Saints aren’t just playing out the string. They’re building something.
Whether or not they sneak into the playoffs, this final stretch is about more than wins and losses - it’s about identity. And right now, they’re starting to look like a team with one.
Tyler Shough has earned himself a longer look. Kellen Moore is showing he can guide a young quarterback. And the Saints, once left for dead in the NFC South, are suddenly a team worth watching - not just for the rest of this season, but for what might come next.