In the 2025 NFL Draft, when the New Orleans Saints selected QB Tyler Shough in the second round, expectations were immediately created for the rookie among fans, analysts, and staff members. Today, Shough will make his first start in the NFL, and here is what his performance could look like.
What Tyler Shough Brings to the QB Position
In college, Shough was a very accurate thrower with a great arm, making some beautiful throws on the run. Playing for three college teams, the Oregon Ducks (2018-2020), the Texas Tech Red Raiders (2021-2023), and finally the Louisville Cardinals (2024), it’s needless to say he has more than enough experience. The biggest issue, however, besides age, was his pure fear at times. Due to numerous previous devastating injuries, Shough’s ability to cope with pressure is impaired.
This was one of the reasons Shough led college football in throwaways, which is not inherently a bad thing, but it’s also not great when a potential player is available. This issue became much worse when looking at some of the turnovers Shough had in college, and this fear was actually present last week.
Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, when Shough entered the game, the rookie QB had some nice throws, but the pressure issues were evident. He looked extremely rushed, threw away the ball, or caused a sack that was entirely his fault. This is something that must be fixed for Shough to be a starter in the NFL, but could that happen in just one week?
How Will the Rookie Look Against the Los Angeles Rams?
Like with many rookie debuts for QBs, there is no reason to expect a franchise QB to pop up on the screen. Shough is still learning the timing with his receivers; he has had zero regular-season game time to aid his development, and it will be his first time with an offense built more around him. In addition, the opponent that Shough will be facing is going to be the biggest test you can have as a rookie QB.
Also Read: Can the Saints Defeat the Rams? 3 Keys to the Week 9 Game
The Rams are not just one of the best teams in the league this season; their defense has a habit of making life even more difficult for quarterbacks. Los Angeles is one of the best scoring defenses in the NFL, and their D-line is excellent at getting to the QB. The Rams’ dream is to play a team with a QB situation like the Saints’.
Will this be a great game by Shough? Probably not, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be positive takeaways. The Saints are a rebuilding team trying to find their franchise QB, and small wins to build upon are sometimes the best outcome.