On the first day of practice in California, Tyler Shough had what NewOrleans.Football's Mike Triplett described as Shough's "best practice session to date." After a good performance in the scrimmage last Saturday, it seems like the New Orleans Saints second round pick is beginning to get his legs underneath him.
He's beginning to stack days on top of each other. Shough's performance rising in "live" game format of the scrimmage opposed to the scripted nature of previous practices was discussed by multiple reporters. The style of practice may not be the change. It may simply be Shough. With the pressure placed on him, it can be easy to forget he's still a second round pick who wasn't a finished product.
Most importantly, Shough had his best day against the first-team defense. He's had good practices before, but playing against the top defense during a highlight day means more because those are the defenses he'll have to face in the regular season.
Tyler Shough has been less risk averse in practice lately
One of the more noticeable trends we’re seeing from Shough is letting the ball go more. Though he was safe with the football early in camp, there was a criticism that he was overly cautious and risk averse.
This was also a trait Shough showed in college. He is quick to throw the ball away. That was shown during his final year at Louisville and it appears that transferred to the early portion of his pro career as well. Now that he's adopted a more aggressive style, it has also came with some mistakes.
Shough has joined the interception party, but in a way that’s a good thing. You wouldn’t normally praise turnovers, but the belief is turnovers in practice help you gauge your limits.
You want your quarterback to limit turnover plays but also not pass up on big plays because he's scared to pull the trigger. Shough taking those chances in practice should give him a better balance during the regular season.
If Shough wants to beat Spencer Rattler, this can't be a flash in the pan
Though he's performed well, the common belief is Shough still falls behind Spencer Rattler in the pecking order. Shough's recent performances gives hope that he can fight back into the battle.
Going into training camp, this was seen as Shough's battle to lose. It doesn't feel like Shough is losing it, but it does feel like Rattler is stepping up and taking it. The preseason is the stage for Shough to claim the belt.
Through everything that's already happened, nothing will be more important than the preseason. LouisianaSports.Net's Ross Jackson feels the rookie "settling in," and there isn't a better time to do it. There's only three preseason games, so the chances to prove yourself against opposition are scarce. You want to step into those opportunities as the best version of yourself.