New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough continues to show great promise, with signs pointing toward him developing into a franchise quarterback. His resilience and toughness were on full display, playing a crucial role in the Saints 24-20 divisional road win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Shough finished the afternoon completing 13-20 passes for 144 yards and 1 interception. Despite not having much success on through the air, he delivered key moments with his legs, recording 7 carries for 55 yards and 2 touchdowns. It was a gritty and timely performance when the Saints needed it.
One of his biggest came in the fourth quarter, a 13 yard touchdown scramble that gave the Saints a 24-17 lead, one they would never relinquish. Even he was shocked, as he later shared with the media. “Trying to get Taysom and just saw green grass. I don't know, I blacked out. Just a great play by all the guys. Just a lot of fun, man. Proud of all those guys to finish."
Tyler Shough's legs were the late spark the Saints needed
Tyler Shough’s 13yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter was one of the defining moments of the game, giving the Saints a crucial seven point lead when momentum hung on the balance. Up to that point, the Saints had struggled with penalties and inconsistent offensive rhythm, making every scoring opportunity crucial. Shough's ability to escape pressure and finish runs showcased his toughness and growing confidence as a leader.
The score not only energized the Saints sideline but also brought pressure on the Buccaneers, who were unable to recover. In a tightly contested divisional game, that touchdown proved to be the spark that the Saints needed to close out the win. This victory gives the Saints the season split and put a complete spin on the top of the division, as the Buccaneers now fall to 7-5 and are now tied with the Carolina Panthers for first place.
Though the Saints are out of playoff contention, they’ve shown that they can still influence the NFC South race. By upsetting division rivals, they have the potential to reshape the standings and make things more difficult for teams chasing a postseason spot. They’ll look to carry their momentum into their next matchup against the Carolina Panthers, aiming for the season series sweep.