Pressure is all on Tyler Shough in Saints' joint practices with Jaguars

The New Orleans Saints offense was the recipient of high praise the entire offseason after adding Jordyn Tyson, Travis Etienne Jr. and David Edwards this offseason, but it’s been the defense winning the most days of training camp. We’ve waited for Tyler Shough and company to stack multiple good days in a row, and it’s yet to happen. That’s what puts a heavy emphasis on the joint practices with the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

The Jaguars are the first of three opponents the Saints will face in joint practices this offseason. As is par for the course, the starters won’t see any action in the ensuing preseason game. The work against the Jaguars starters will include all gameday scenarios in practice. 

The offense can't stack joint practices because it's just one practice. However, this is the first time the offense will go against a defense that isn't their one, and that holds significantly more weight than a standard practice.

Tyler Shough should be defined by Saints’ joint practices 

There’s pressure on everyone, but there’s the most pressure on Shough. It’s not just because he’s a quarterback, but that does play a large part. 

The optimism revolves around, thought it doesn’t depend on, Shough. He’s coming off an inspiring rookie campaign that left many wondering what could’ve been if he started all season. He’ll have that opportunity in 2026 after an offseason to level up. 

Shough has been solid but unspectacular in camp. It shouldn’t be viewed an omen of what will come for certain. 

Even if the opposite was true and Shough was struggling, joint practices would be the true point of evaluation. This is part one of a three part process. It culminates with the biggest challenge, the Rams. 

Shough has to start here, versus the Jags, with a strong performance. It’ll quiet some of the noise, and conversely, struggling will invite more scrutiny. 

Defense needs to sustain, and offense must pick it up. We’re looking for Shough specifically, because if he puts together a good day, the optimism around the team will raise. 

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