Tyler Shough is going into his second year in the NFL, so the conversation around a sophomore slump is going thrown around. The only quarterbacks who don't see sophomore slumps being discussed before Year 2 are those who had poor rookie campaigns or didn't play at all in Year 1. Neither of these traits apply to the New Orleans Saints quarterback, and there's one huge reason Shough will avoid the sophomore slump.
The biggest reason Shough can avoid the sophomore slump is his limited amount of snaps. There's tape out there on him, and that will help some defenses. However, he only played half a season. It still feels like there's some things we haven't seen from Shough yet.
Being put in sophomore slump conversations isn't quite a badge of honor, but it is a testament of what the quarterback did as a rookie. In Shough's case, he revitalized the Saints offense and jumpstart belief in New Orleans. His rookie year was short but left a strong impact on the fan base.
Tyler Shough's limited exposure will help him dodge the sophomore slump
Most times sophomore slumps are associated with defenses figuring a player out. Is 9 starts enough time to figure a player out? Only time will tell on that part, but right now I lean towards no. Shough has yet to play a full season. He's still figuring it out and should be adding a lot to his game, so defenses will struggle to have him fully figured out.
The most common reason you don't hear the slump predicted often is the skill players on the Saints roster. It's the biggest reason Shough's ceiling has raised. The Saints went and bolstered the talent around Shough. By the year's end, he was playing primarily with talent that didn't make the initial 53 man roster.
This year, the Saints have made the wide receiver room significantly deeper. If the room as to deal with injuries, the room has the talent to step up. There's many players who will eventually be on the practice squad who could step in in a pinch as well. We've seen Shough take players who weren't on the roster and perform. Naturally, you'd expect Shough to be better when the receiving corps now includes a top 10 pick.
It's safe to say you aren't going to see the same Shough you saw a year ago. That's through natural development, limited tape and improved assistance around him. It doesn't mean a slump is impossible. The Saints QB just has the proper tools to avoid it.
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