Saints Ignite New Era With Bold Quarterback Switch As Shough Gets Shot To Spark Season Turnaround
Some may be wondering “what took so long” but the New Orleans Saints have made a decisive move, turning to rookie quarterback Tyler Shough to try and spark life into a struggling season. Head coach Kellen Moore officially named the second-round pick as the starter for their upcoming game against the Los Angeles Rams, benching Spencer Rattler after a tough 1-7 start.
The change comes after a rough 23-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where Rattler was pulled in the third quarter and Shough stepped in. The rookie completed 17 of 30 passes for 128 yards and an interception, not a game-changing performance, but enough to show he’s ready for a shot. For fans desperate for something to cheer about, this feels like the beginning of a new chapter.
Saints Need Shough To Protect the Ball
Rattler’s season has been up and down, finishing with eight touchdowns, five interceptions, and six turnovers in his last six quarters of play. The coaching staff had little choice but to make the switch, allowing Shough to show what he’s got.
Now, the keys to the sputtering car have been fully handed to the Louisville product. He was drafted 40th overall this year, and is the highest-drafted Saints quarterback since Archie Manning in 1971. His first start will be a big test on the road, against a 5-2 Rams team.
Shough’s Unlikely Journey Makes Him an Uncommon 26-year-old Rookie
Shough’s road to the NFL hasn’t been easy. His college career spanned Oregon, Texas Tech, and Louisville, where he showed resilience and adaptability. A natural gunslinger with a strong arm and solid athleticism, Shough’s college tape was a mix of big plays and challenges under pressure. When protected, he was sharp, throwing for over 2,300 yards and 17 touchdowns with just two interceptions. But when the pocket broke down, his performance dipped, a concern given the Saints’ struggling offensive line this season.
Still, the team is betting on his raw talent and potential to develop poise at the next level. It’s a gamble, but one they need to take.
Saints Will Now Find Out How Long the Shough Era Will Last
This decision is about more than one game or one player. For a team likely heading toward a high draft pick, the Saints need to evaluate whether Shough can be their long-term solution at quarterback. Giving him meaningful snaps now will help answer that question. It’s a massive opportunity for the rookie to prove he belongs and a chance for the Saints to ignite some hope in a tough season.
For Saints fans, the hope is that this change marks a brighter beginning and finally answers the lingering question of when for those wondering what took so long.
