Saints Cruise Past Jets Behind Rookie QB Tyler Shough’s Breakout Performance
In a game featuring two teams well outside the playoff picture, the New Orleans Saints turned a quiet Week 16 matchup into a showcase for their rookie quarterback. Tyler Shough led the Saints to a 29-6 win over the New York Jets, marking his third straight victory as a starter and solidifying what’s quickly becoming one of the more intriguing late-season stories in the NFL.
Let’s be honest - this wasn’t a battle of juggernauts. Both teams came in averaging under 20 points per game, and neither has sniffed playoff relevance in weeks.
But for the Saints, this one mattered. Not in the standings, but in the bigger picture.
And for Shough, it was another step forward in a rookie campaign that’s suddenly demanding attention.
Tyler Shough: Making His Case
Shough didn’t just manage the game - he owned it. The rookie set a career high with 308 passing yards, completing 32 of 49 passes and throwing a touchdown.
He came out firing, racking up 206 yards in the first half alone, and looked confident doing it. That win gives him four on the season, breaking a franchise rookie record previously held by none other than Archie Manning.
What stands out most isn’t just the numbers - it’s the poise. Shough operated within a game plan that didn’t need to be flashy.
With offensive coordinator Kellen Moore dialing up a balanced, efficient attack against Jets interim defensive coordinator Chris Harris, the Saints didn’t force the issue. Instead, they let Shough work through progressions, take what was available, and move the chains.
It wasn’t explosive, but it was effective - and that’s exactly what you want from a young quarterback learning how to win in the NFL.
At this point, it’s fair to say Shough has earned a longer look. Whether the Saints are picking in the top 10 or not, they may not need to chase a quarterback in April. That draft capital could be better spent elsewhere - maybe on a second wideout to pair with Chris Olave, help on the interior offensive line (Shough took some hits against the Jets’ front), or reinforcements on an aging defense.
Chris Olave and Taysom Hill Shine in Different Ways
Speaking of Olave - he reminded everyone why he’s a cornerstone of this offense. The second-year receiver posted a season-high 148 yards on 10 catches and found the end zone twice. One of those came from Shough, the other from none other than Taysom Hill, who continues to be the NFL’s most unpredictable Swiss Army knife.
Hill’s day was a microcosm of his unique value to the Saints. With the backfield depleted by injuries, the 35-year-old lined up all over the field - quarterback, tight end, running back, special teams upback - and led the team in rushing with 42 yards on 12 carries.
He even converted a fake punt in the second quarter, setting up a field goal. And just to round things out, he threw a 38-yard touchdown pass to Olave in the fourth quarter.
That gave Hill a career-high 16 scrimmage touches on the day, and once again proved he’s still got plenty left in the tank.
Cam Jordan, Demario Davis Lead the Defensive Charge
On the defensive side, it felt like a send-off - and a statement. Cam Jordan, at 36 years old, delivered two first-half sacks in what could be his final home game in a Saints uniform. If this was the curtain call, he made sure it was a memorable one.
And Demario Davis? The soon-to-be 37-year-old linebacker was everywhere.
He finished with eight tackles and sniffed out every bit of misdirection the Jets tried to throw at him. The Saints defense as a whole racked up eight sacks, completely overwhelming New York’s offensive line and rookie quarterback Brady Cook.
Charlie Smyth’s Holiday Highlight Reel
If you’re looking for a feel-good story, look no further than Charlie Smyth. The former Gaelic football goalkeeper from Northern Ireland has become something of a cult hero in New Orleans.
After signing a three-year deal last week, Smyth celebrated with a rock-solid performance: three field goals in the first half, two more in the second, and a near-miss from 61 yards out just before halftime. He’s now 9-for-11 on field goals and perfect on extra points - not bad for a guy who was kicking a round ball a year ago.
Jets Defense Shows Life, But Offense Falters Again
For the Jets, there were some glimmers of hope on defense. With Chris Harris stepping in as interim defensive coordinator, the unit looked more disciplined and aggressive.
They forced a turnover on just the second play of the game - a fumble by Hill recovered after a hit from rookie safety Malachi Moore - and held the Saints out of the end zone until late in the third quarter. They also avoided giving up 30-plus points for the first time in three games.
But the offense? That’s where things unraveled.
Rookie QB Brady Cook had a rough outing, finishing with 188 passing yards, no touchdowns, and one interception. The Jets didn’t crack 100 net passing yards until the fourth quarter, and when they did, it was too little, too late.
Cook was sacked seven times and lost a fumble on a crucial possession. The run game didn’t offer much relief either, with Breece Hall managing just 54 yards on 16 carries.
The Jets’ game plan felt overly conservative - heavy on dump-offs, light on ambition. Whether that’s on Cook or offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand, the result was the same: a stagnant offense that never seriously threatened to get back in the game.
Draft Implications: Jets Climb the Board
If there’s a silver lining for the Jets, it’s in the draft order. With the loss, New York improves its position and now sits at No. 4 overall, pending the outcome of the Raiders-Texans game. The Titans’ upset win over the Chiefs helped, and with the Giants and Browns also losing, the Jets are in prime position to land an elite prospect come April.
What’s Next?
For the Saints, the win doesn’t change their postseason fate - they’re still out of the mix - but it does give them something more valuable: clarity. Tyler Shough looks like a guy worth building around, and with veterans like Cam Jordan and Demario Davis still contributing, there’s a foundation to work with heading into 2026.
As for the Jets, the quarterback question remains unanswered, the offensive line is still a mess, and the offense lacks identity. But with a high draft pick on the way, they’ll have another shot to reset - again.
In a game that didn’t matter in the standings, it may have mattered a lot more in terms of what comes next. And for the Saints, that next chapter just might start with Tyler Shough.