TYLER SHOUGH 2025 SEASON ANALYSIS
New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough made his first NFL start on Nov. 2, Week 9 of the season, in a road game against the Los Angeles Rams. From there, Shough did everything necessary to solidify the job as the Saints’ starting quarterback entering 2026.
In nine games as a starter, he helped guide the Saints to a 5-4 record that included wins in four of the last five games, and he stirred the fan base with several clutch performances. Shough completed 204 of 295 passes for 2,256 yards and 10 touchdowns, with five interceptions, and added 174 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 42 carries in the nine games. He barged into contention for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year by leading New Orleans to consecutive victories against Tampa Bay and Carolina, when each was leading the NFC South Division, and setting career highs in passing yards in consecutive victories over the Jets (308 yards) and Titans (333).
The Saints hadn’t won four consecutive games since 2020, when the quarterback was Drew Brees and the team won nine straight games, and Shough impressed with his poise, ability to operate the offense, talent to make every throw and creativity to use different arm angles when necessary. When New Orleans drafted the 26-year-old at No. 40 overall — the highest the franchise had selected a quarterback since Archie Manning was taken with the No. 2 overall pick in 1971 — the thought was that his age and experience would be a plus and that because of the continued extending of quarterbacks’ careers, he would have a long career if able to establish himself as the starter. Shough made significant progress toward proving the organization correct.
BEST GAME OF TYLER SHOUGH’S 2025 SEASON
Shough produced games with gaudier numbers than he did in the Saints’ 24-20 road victory over Tampa Bay at Raymond James Stadium on Dec. 7, but none were grittier and more team-rallying. He completed 13 of 20 passes for 144 yards without a touchdown, and threw an interception. But during the rain-soaked game he also ran for 55 yards and two touchdowns on seven carries, leading a comeback win. His 34-yard touchdown in the third quarter gave New Orleans a 14-10 lead and after the Buccaneers retook the lead and the Saints tied it at 17, and his 13-yard score in the fourth quarter gave the Saints a lead they would not relinquish.