Another game has resulted in a New Orleans Saints loss, but in the long run, it may have been a win. First, looking at the 2026 draft position, New Orleans’ draft pick improved to the #2 overall selection. With this being a weaker draft class, where top-end talent is projected to run out quickly, having one of the top picks is extremely important.
The other positive takeaway from this game was QB Tyler Shough’s strong performance. Let’s examine how the rookie performed against the Miami Dolphins.
New Orleans Saints’ First Half Woes
In the first half, the Saints were unable to score against a struggling Dolphins defense. This was unacceptable, and upon reviewing the tape, it became clear that it was not all Shough’s fault. The interception near the end of the half was a prime example of stopping the Saints from scoring points. This was a dangerous ball to throw, and it was a great read by Dolphins S Minkah Fitzpatrick, who ranks 29th in PFSN’s SAF Impact Metric.
Besides that play, Shough was mainly making the correct throws, and for the second game in a row, receivers were not getting open. Shough had to overcome this while also dealing with heavy pressure from the Dolphins’ defense (against the Saints’ struggling offensive line). Much of the first half was the rookie trying to make plays out of nothing.
Confident Second Half Response
When the clock struck zero in this game, the Saints scored 17 points in the second half. There was a precise adjustment for HC Kellen Moore, and Shough was able to bounce back impressively after the Saints’ last play of the first half was an interception.
A significant change was the rookie QB having more freedom to throw downfield rather than rely on the short game. This unlocked WR Devaughn Vele, who had one of the best games of his young career.
The first touchdown for the Saints came from Shough leaving the pocket early in a calculated way, so the WRs can break off the play and get open. Olave was the one to do it, and it was a throw on the run to him in the end zone.
Looking at the second touchdown, this game was with around a minute left in the game, and it was the best throw of Shough’s rookie season. Nobody was open, so Shough started to run right and threw Vele open to the perfect spot in the end zone.
Somehow, after this, the Saints got the ball back after a successful onside kick, and although that drive ended in a failed fourth-down conversion, there was one throw that must be addressed.
On 2nd and 1, with 44 seconds left, Shough threw deep to Olave down the sideline. This was a perfectly placed pass for his star WR to make the play, and Olave did everything correctly to make the CB fall, except the catch was not made. If this play were made, there is a good chance the Saints would win this game.