For as good as Tyler Shough has been to start his NFL career, the one hurdle he hasn’t been able to get over is the Atlanta Falcons. The New Orleans Saints quarterback dropped both games against Atlanta, but he’s better equipped to win this game, opposed to the season finale, if for no other reason than Chris Olave is in the lineup.
Ironically, the second game against the Falcons was one moments fans praise Shough the most for. The team lost, but Shough was able to elevate the skill positions around him for an impressive individual performance. In that game, Juwan Johnson was the only skill position player on the field who was also on the initial 53 man roster.
The ability to elevate talent was one of the early indications the Saints may have their franchise quarterback. Shough showed he can excel the situation isn’t optimal, and that’s a trait every franchise quarterback needs. However, he won’t be in that position Monday, and individual performances aren’t enough.
The return of Chris Olave is the difference maker for Tyler Shough
Shough has played every divisional opponent twice, and he’s beaten everyone but the Falcons. He’s beat the Panthers twice, and beat the Buccaneers in his only start against them. It’s just one team left.
While the odds may have been stacked against him in the finale, Shough and Saints are out of excuses, per the Saints themselves. Chase Young said no moral victories, and that definitely extends to playing well in defeat to Falcons.
The biggest difference from Week 18 last year to Week 4 this season is Chris Olave is in the lineup. He missed the finale due to a blood clot, but he was in the midst of his best streak of football. He’s carried it over to this year but even better.
The chemistry between Olave and Shough is the key to this game, and that’s has nothing to do with what happened last year. They’ve grown as a pair and have earned the right to be discussed with the best QB-WR duos in the league. Meanwhile, the Falcons entered the week with one of the worst passing defenses in the league.
The Falcons are also without their best cornerback, A.J. Terrell. All signs point to airing out a vulnerable secondary, specifically at the cornerback position. Jessie Bates and Xavier Watts are quality in the back end, but Shough and Olave are playing at a level where they will go at anyone and deservedly so.
The Saints’ connection has been at its best in the critical moments, and that’s the biggest difference from last year for Olave and the Saints offense. He’s gone from ramping up the yardage to also providing plays in the fourth quarter. There’s a lot of talent for Shough to throw to, but Olave has grown into the definitive go-to guy in those situations.
There’s a good chance this game is going to be close and both teams will look to their stars to make a play. Luckily for the Saints, the depth at receiving threats can both give Shough options if Atlanta sells out to stop Olave or open him up for more one on one opportunities. Whether it’s the gravitational pull of Olave or his production, Olave will be the big difference maker in this matchup.
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