Could Tyler Shough become the next New Orleans Saints player to earn recognition as Rookie of the Year? The first-year quarterback turned a lot of heads after being named the team’s starting quarterback at midseason, inheriting a 1-7 roster and going 5-4 down the stretch while losing starters from his supporting cast almost every week. Shough was named the NFL Rookie of the Month for December and January, which helped him make a strong closing argument for Rookie of the Year. Fans can vote for him at NFL.com.
But Shough is facing some stiff competition. Rival New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart is a candidate, as are running backs TreVeyon Henderson (New England Patriots) and Ashton Jeanty (Las Vegas Raiders), plus Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger is the only defender among the finalists.
Shough finished his rookie season by completing 221 of 327 passes (67.6%) for 2,384 yards, throwing 10 touchdowns against 6 interceptions while taking 31 sacks and fumbling 3 times. He also rushed 45 times for 186 yards and 3 touchdowns. He broke the Saints’ team records for rookie season passing yards and touchdown passes, and he did it without Pro Bowlers like starting center Erik McCoy, running back Alvin Kamara, and wide receiver Rashid Shaheed in the lineup for most of his starts. He’s made a compelling case for Rookie of the Year, but whether he wins it or not, the Saints have a keeper.
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This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Rookie of the Year finalists: How to vote for Saints QB Tyler Shough