A New Era in New Orleans; Tyler Shough Gets the Nod for Week 9
The New Orleans Saints have officially turned the page at quarterback, installing rookie Tyler Shough as the starter for this Sunday’s pivotal Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. ([NFL.com][1]) After a 1-7 start to the season and a mid-game benching of Spencer Rattler in Week 8, the Saints’ leadership has opted to shift gears and hand the reins to the second-round pick (40th overall) from April.
Why the switch?
The decision wasn’t made lightly. Rattler, who opened the season as the starter, posted modest numbers (68 % completion, 1,586 yards, 8 TDs, 5 INTs) but most importantly, the team still sat at 1-7 and the offensive production remained anemic. In Week 8, Rattler was pulled mid-third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after back-to-back games with four turnovers combined.
Enter Shough: at 6’5″, 219 lbs, he brings the prototypical size and arm strength but comes with caveats—he’s 26 (older than many rookies), endured multiple injuries, and only recently settled into the QB1 battle in New Orleans. The Saints appear not only to be chasing a win—but also evaluating Shough as the future under center.
What Shough brings to the table
His brief in-game cameo in Week 8 saw him complete 17 of 30 passes for 128 yards and an interception. He added three rushes for 12 yards.
While not flashy, that sample showed enough for coach Kellen Moore to give him the start. The upside here lies in Shough’s size, arm talent and in his being an investment—a second-round pick with a guaranteed four-year deal. In a season where the Saints’ playoff hopes are all but gone, this gives them a low-pressure window to evaluate their signal-caller of the future.
Tough task ahead against the Rams
Making it harder: the opponent. The Rams arrive at home with a 5-2 record, boasting one of the NFL’s more formidable defenses. The betting markets reflect that—Shough’s first start sees the Saints significant underdogs. This situation sets a demanding backdrop: new QB, still-broken offense, facing a top tier unit. Fans on social forums are realistic. One wrote:
> “This isn’t going to be an immediate fix. Give him time… this week will be tough against the Rams.”
Protection & turnovers: One of Rattler’s downfall points was the increased sack rate and ball-security issues. Shough must show improvement or at least stability in these areas.
Team support: The Saints’ offense has lacked rhythm. How much will the coaching staff lean on the run game, play-action, quick passes to ease the rookie in? Early signs suggest yes.
Long-term implications: Although this week might feel like “less pressure” since the season is slipping away, the next 6–8 games are critical for Shough’s development and for the Saints to decide whether they’ve found their QB or will look again in the draft.
The Saints have reached the point where they must see what they have at quarterback, and that brings Tyler Shough into the spotlight. Starting against the Rams in Week 9 isn’t a soft entry—it might be the toughest possible test.
But embracing this challenge might define Shough’s role and the Saints’ direction for years to come. The risk is high; the reward—if he can rise—is potentially foundational.