- Tyler Shough has given the Saints a legitimate reason to view him as their starting quarterback: Shough earned a 76.6 PFF overall grade in the Week 17 win, marking the third time in his past four games he has posted a grade of at least 75.0. Since making his first start in Week 8, Shough is the NFL's 10th-highest-graded quarterback overall and the highest-graded rookie at the position.
- Third downs are often challenging for young quarterbacks, but that has not been the case for Tyler Shough: Since his first start in Week 8, his 82.0 PFF overall grade on third down ranks seventh among all quarterbacks.
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The New Orleans Saints just won their fourth straight game behind another strong performance from rookie quarterback Tyler Shough.
The second-round pick has surged down the stretch, giving the Saints legitimate reason to view him as their starting quarterback heading into next season.
Shough earned a 76.6 PFF overall grade in the Week 17 win, marking the third time in his past four games he has posted a grade of at least 75.0. Since making his first start in Week 8, Shough is the NFL's 10th-highest-graded quarterback overall and the highest-graded rookie at the position.
In Week 17, Shough showcased his deep passing ability, tallying a career-high three big-time throws for a 10.7% big-time throw rate, the highest mark among all quarterbacks for the week.
Shough to Olave x2 pic.twitter.com/DxaQdm6LyX
— Nick Akridge (@PFF_NickAkridge) December 29, 2025
The primary beneficiary of those deep shots has been Chris Olave, whose connection with Shough has continued to grow over the past three weeks. The former first-round receiver has averaged 3.03 yards per route run and earned an 83.7 PFF overall grade over that span, both of which rank inside the top 10 among all receivers.
On both plays above, Shough showed good understanding and trusted Olave. Each throw came against what amounted to single coverage within the Titans’ zone-match defense, and Shough consistently recognized that targeting Olave in those situations offered his best opportunity for success.
That trust has not been limited to Olave alone, however, as Shough has done a strong job distributing the ball and identifying favorable matchups based on the coverage presented.
Tyler Shough with a perfect throw to the corner route pic.twitter.com/xk46ZwB52r
— Nick Akridge (@PFF_NickAkridge) December 29, 2025
The Titans initially show a two-high shell before rotating post-snap into a Cover 3 look, while the Saints dial up a dagger concept to the field. Against a standard Cover 3, the seams are a common point of attack, but Tennessee counters with a seam adjustment that asks the curl-flat defender to carry the seam and eliminate that window.
Shough could still attempt the seam throw, but he quickly recognizes the back-side safety rotating into the lane, making it a difficult option. Instead, he works to the back side, identifying a corner route against true man coverage. Shough is decisive and on time, releasing the ball as the receiver breaks and delivering a perfectly placed throw for a big gain on second-and-long.
Third downs are often challenging for young quarterbacks, as that is typically when defensive coordinators are at their most aggressive. That has not been the case for Tyler Shough. Since his first start in Week 8, his 82.0 PFF overall grade on third down ranks seventh among all quarterbacks.
Really like this from Shough to quickly work to the backside dig pic.twitter.com/v3gFoPEPZp
— Nick Akridge (@PFF_NickAkridge) December 29, 2025
The play above came on third-and-1 with the Saints holding a one-point lead, making it a pivotal moment as they looked to create separation from the Titans. Tennessee again shows a two-high shell before rotating to a single-high coverage post-snap. Pre-snap motion from New Orleans signals man coverage, with the defender tracking the motion man, prompting Shough to initially look toward Chris Olave.
While the throw to Olave is available, the defender’s outside leverage against an out-breaking route would have made it a difficult completion. Shough calmly works through his progression, scanning across the field before finding the tight end on a back-side dig route. He keeps his feet active and his base aligned with each read, allowing him to deliver the ball quickly once the window opens. The throw itself is routine, but the process is high-level, and the play ultimately set up the Saints’ final touchdown.
Entering the season, the Saints lacked clarity at quarterback, and it took nearly half the year for Shough to take over as the starter. Since then, he has performed like the league’s top rookie quarterback, giving New Orleans a clear direction heading into the offseason.
Rather than joining the annual quarterback carousel, the Saints now appear positioned to build around a passer who has already proven he can run the offense at a high level.
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