Tyler Shough should be the Offensive Rookie of the Year. His play the past few weeks laid the groundwork and his performance against the Tennessee Titans solidified it. There shouldn’t be any questions about the award after this week.
Shough went 22/27 for 333 yards and two touchdowns on Sunday. The national media is starting to get word and the hype is building. He didn’t start the entire season, but there hasn’t been a rookie more valuable than Shough.
Shough has been immaculate over these past three weeks. In this span he’s thrown for 913 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He’s continued to get better each game. Shough has been unfazed by defenses, even with depleted wide receiver and running back rooms.
Tyler Shough’s biggest competitor had little impact in week 17
There was an argument for Shough to be Offensive Rookie of the Year prior to week 17, now it’s just a fact. Shough’s performance against the Titans should solidify him as the future award winner.
Shough had the second highest odds to win Offensive Rookie of the Year heading into this week, trailing Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. The former Arizona Wildcat has had a fantastic season, but was unimpactful against the Seattle Seahawks. He had a singular reception for five yards in this game.
McMillan now has 66 receptions for 929 yards and seven touchdowns this season. It's an amazing statline, but it might not be enough for an award that historically favors quarterbacks, which four of the last six winners have been.
Shough’s done a lot with little available talent
The Saints skill positions have been decimated by either injuries or trades. Shough has Chris Olave and Juwan Johnson as the sole week one starters remaining. Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller, Devin Neal, Rashid Shaheed, and Brandin Cooks all aren’t available.
Shough’s play in lieu of those stars has been impressive, and is a major reason why fans are beginning to believe he’s a franchise quarterback. The Saints should surround him with talent this offseason, both in the draft and in free agency.