The New Orleans Saints won their second game of the 2025 season and did so behind a strong effort from rookie quarterback Tyler Shough. The second-round rookie out of Louisville was making his second start and played incredibly well in the 17-7 win, throwing for 282 yards and two touchdowns in the win.
That win marked the first time a Saints rookie quarterback has won a game since Dave Wilson did it in 1981. Forty-four years came and went from the last time a Saints rookie quarterback won a game but Shough already is overcoming odds and showing that he's worth keeping an eye on.
According to The 33rd Team, Shough has been putting up some impressive statistics, potentially complicating things for the Saints. The Louisville product is first in passer rating, second in EPA per dropback, first in yards per attempt, and third in completion percentage.
Tyler Shough's statistical ranks among QBs this week through the early slate:
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) November 9, 2025
1st in passer rating (128.9)
2nd in EPA per dropback (0.24)
1st in yards per attempt (10.4)
3rd in completion % (70.4%) pic.twitter.com/oW5hsLhUrr
Why could these numbers end up complicating matters for New Orleans? Well, because if Shough continues to play this well, could that throw them off the trail of drafting a quarterback next year?
Tyler Shough could force Saints to change their offseason plans
The good news here is that if Shough plays well, then the Saints should feel good about moving forward with him for the 2026 season and seeing what he can do. No one in the 2026 draft class has looked like a can't-miss prospect so to wave the white flag so quickly on the Shough experiment for even more of an unknown might not make sense.
If the Saints end up with one of the top picks in the draft, however, what will they do then? Would they still draft a quarterback if one ascends up the draft boards before draft night? Would they trade the pick and try to add some more selections? Or would they stay put and try to add talent that could help Shough succeed even more?
If Shough continues to play well and the team ends the season on a high note, why not stick with him? Kellen Moore clearly saw potential in him and, even though this win was against an inconsistent Panthers team, he looked impressive. If he keeps building on it, then maybe New Orleans has something here.
Sometimes there are certainly good problems to have and this would be one of them.