Tyler Shough won't stop New Orleans Saints fans from wondering if things would have been different if he started the entire season, but Shough thinks Kellen Moore sitting him for 8 games behind Spencer Rattler was the right call. He believes the decision is connected to the evident value in quarterbacks not starting right away.
Shough named Jalen Hurts, Josh Allen, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love as examples of quarterbacks who sat to start their careers. His case only strengthens when you factor Patrick Mahomes into the equation, though Shough didn't mention him. Shough pointed out Love and Allen are on different sides of spectrum as far as time they sat, but the value in sitting is the same nonetheless.
“I think whenever you don't have to it's beneficial.”
— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) May 12, 2026
“You're not really in your prime until you're in your late 30s.”
“Look at Matthew Stafford…he’s the PINNACLE of the QB position to me…”
Saints QB @tylershough2 on whether he’d recommend rookie QBs sitting or playing right… https://t.co/QaEdSMgPrO pic.twitter.com/si8odS8x2a
Kellen Moore sitting Tyler Shough was the best thing for the Saints
The NFC South is a weak division that seems to be improving. Last year was a great season to steal it. The Panthers did, and the Saints swept them. It’s not like the Saints had to win many more games to win the division.
After seeing how Shough came in and hit the ground running, many fans can’t help but wonder what the season looks like if he starts instead of Rattler. The “what if” of it all will always be tough to swallow because in theory Shough’s hot start would’ve just started earlier.
The one thing that isn’t taken into account is Shough sitting for the first half of the season being the catalyst for his hot start. He had a decent showing in preseason, but nothing suggested he’d be that productive that quickly. Maybe he’s just a gamer who turned it on once the regular season started. The more likely explanation is Shough took the time he sat to internalize the game and improve with mental reps.
Shough seemed sharper mentally with his decision making in the regular season. His arm talent felt more precise. Most notably, he operated with a greater rhythm. It’s multiple reason for these improvements, but being able to absorb the game from the sidelines definitely played a factor.
Additionally, the Saints weren’t ready to compete last year even if Shough played all year. Identifying your franchise quarterback while simultaneously landing a top-10 pick is a great combination. Look no further than Jordyn Tyson for the proof. Sitting Shough gave the Saints a quarterback who was more prepared once he did get his opportunity and helped them build a stronger supporting cast around him.
Add us as a preferred source on Google