The New Orleans Saints has now named rookie Tyler Shough the starting QB as we have hit the halfway mark of this regular season. Previously being Spencer Rattler, Kellen Moore and his staff have felt it's time to give the Saints offense the change it needs to get production out of a squad that hasn't performed their best at all up to this point.
For Shough, making your first start on a struggling team that is 1-7 may not seem ideal, but this is the best way to display his skills and abilities to make his presence known in the league.
With nothing to lose, he can give New Orleans the breath of fresh air they desperately needs to string a few wins together in the second half of the season.
Don't confuse Discovery for Desperation; Shough could be what New Orleans need
Facing the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, we'll begin to see Tyler Shough's abilities and if he's ready to lead a franchise in the right direction. If so, we may be bearing witness to the beginning of the next franchise quarterback to take the reins in New Orleans.
Even if it doesn't mean much in changing the trajectory of this season, his performance will greatly affect how the Saints willgo about the offseason. If he can show that he is capable of balling out and properly fulfilling the starting role, then New Orleans will be free to address other needs on the team without breaking the bank on a veteran in free agency or draft capital that could boost other positions.
But if it so happens that Shough isn't the answer for the Saints currently, sending him back to his previous role to develop or possibly spark another QB battle in the foreseeable future is something that can work in the best interests of both Shough as a player and the Saints.
If you agree with the choice to give him his shot this early or not, finding out who Tyler Shough is for better or for worse creates a more clear future in New Orleans. As all eyes will be on him, we'll see if Shough can be a plus for the Saints even if the fruits won't bear till down the line.