New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough has been the subject of nearly constant mockery online since he was picked 40th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, and the criticism has not abated ever since Spence Rattler reportedly leapfrogged him on Kellen Moore's initial depth chart.
Even with all of those negatives weighing heavily on his stock, Shough managed to put together a solid showing in his initial preseason action against the Los Angeles Chargers. While Shough did throw a bad interception, he was 15-22 passing for 165 yards while connecting on a beautiful 54-yard score to Mason Tipton.
Even with Shough's promising start to life in the NFL, the media seems to be very hesitant when it coms to giving him credit for that start. CBS ranked him as just the seventh-best first year quarterback in the NFL after one preseason week despite his numbers outpacing many of the names listed ahead of him.
Tennessee Titans QB Cam Ward was picked No. 1 overall, and he didn't complete a pass during his first quarter of action. Ward didn't get the same degree of criticism that Shough did, nor did pseudo-rookie JJ McCarthy after going 4-7 for 30 yards in limited action.
Saints QB Tyler Shough disrespected despite solid preseason performance
Given Shough's lack of great athletic ability, advanced age, and limited college production, the initial skepticism over the pick was so great that it seems to have temporarily clouded the judgment of those who are trying to analyze his play.
Shough is dealing with backup-caliber play on the offensive line, and even his starting offense is generally considered to be well below an average unit. Even with those problems working against him, Shough appears to have put some of his early struggles in training camp behind him.
Shough will still need to keep stacking positive days, as the reports from training camp make it sound as though Rattler is still the favorite to win the QB1 job to begin the season. However, if the former Lousiville star keeps improving, the investment New Orleans made in him could help him movine into the starting role.
Shough might be paddling upstream as a rookie, as every mistake he makes will likely be viewed as a referendum on the Saints organization as a whole to a quite concerning degree. If he comes out of his rookie season with an 86.4 passer rating, which he had against LA, the Saints should be very encouraged.