The New Orleans Saints are entering the offseason with a high level of confidence. Their coaching staff has improved throughout the year, the roster has stayed positive, they won 4 of their last 5 games, and there are foundational pieces throughout the team. Each is a great thing to have for a rebuilding team, but something is just a bit more critical.
Tyler Shough played like a potential franchise QB, and although that’s a great start, a sophomore slump would eviscerate the Saints’ momentum.
What Happens if the Sophomore Slump hits Tyler Shough?
Shough’s start to his career has been great, and it’s correct for fans, analysts, and the Saints to be confident in what he can do in the future, but that could all come crashing down in 2026.
First, some needed history. Back in 2023, Houston Texans QB C.J Stroud was the rookie of the year, and there was a chance he could be a top QB for years to come. Although the Texans and Stroud have had success since then, their young QB was hit by the dreaded sophomore slump.
The sophomore slump refers to a phenomenon in which a rookie has a great year in their first season but then takes a step back in their second year. It doesn’t always happen, but a team must consider several factors to avoid it: play-calling, the offensive line, offensive weapons, and quarterback tendencies. In the Texans’ case, all four factors hit at once. The offensive play calling took a step back as defenses figured it out, the offensive line was not good, the main weapons were injured, and Stroud went from 5 interceptions in his rookie year to 12.
Houston still made the playoffs, but it already had a playoff-caliber roster; the Saints do not, and they could fall into the same traps with their QB.
How the Saints Can Prevent Shough From Taking a Step Back in Year 2?
Looking at the roster/staff and what the Saints need to improve this offseason, here are some steps the team can take to stop the sophomore slump:
Fix the Offensive Line
Among all the roster needs New Orleans has, the interior offensive line is the top priority. Both LG and RG are significant weaknesses entering the offseason, and a substantial investment will be needed to address them. The 2026 NFL Draft is an option, but risking it isn’t worth it, so signing two veterans in free agency who fit the Saints’ timeline would be a better decision.
Add Offensive Weapons
The Saints’ run game and WR talent are both issues on the roster, and, just like the offensive line, they cannot enter next season with the same weaknesses. In the draft, getting a WR that can be at least WR2 on the roster and an RB with home run potential would take pressure off of Shough to carry the offense. It would also add another fold to the play calling.
Keep the Play Calling Fresh
Hopefully, new dynamic offensive options will be added to the roster, which should make HC Kellen Moore’s life a bit easier, but he still needs to keep opposing defenses on their toes. Moore can not allow defenses to figure him out.
