What Are Reasonable Expectations For Tyler Shough's 1st Start?

The New Orleans Saints will start rookie quarterback Tyler Shough against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 9, head coach Kellen Moore confirmed to reporters on Wednesday. Spencer Rattler is being benched after a string of lackluster results. The Saints are officially in fact-finding mode and they need to find out if Shough is capable of being their starter of the future.

The Saints are throwing Shough in the deep end and it'll be sink-or-swim. The 5-2 Rams possess a stingy pass defense, allowing 208.3 yards per contest. They also just upgraded their secondary by acquiring cornerback Roger McCreary via trade.

What'll make life especially difficult for Shough is that Chris Shula's defense is allowing the third-fewest points per game (16.7). They’ve also produced the second-most sacks in the NFL (26). It does not project as a favorable matchup for Shough.

Shough replaced Rattler midway through the third quarter of Sunday's blowout loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He completed 17-of-30 passing attempts for 128 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception. Shough's lone turnover was actually Chris Olave's fault, with Olave coughing up an accurate throw into the hands of Antoine Winfield Jr.

Moore will monitor how Shough navigates the pressure. The second-round pick may be inexperienced in terms of NFL standards, but he was a collegiate veteran of seven seasons. Shough must showcase poise and decisiveness while going through his progressions.

Shough was aggressive in his spot versus the Buccaneers. The 40th overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft had an average depth of target (aDOT) of 9.1, per Pro Football Focus. He attempted one big-time throw and didn't have any turnover-worthy plays, though he did overshoot Rashid Shaheed on a would-be open touchdown.

The Saints receivers were credited with two drops and Shough's adjusted completion percentage was 65.5%, more respectable than his actual 56.7%. Shough's average time to throw was 2.48 seconds, third-fastest among QBs in Week 8. He must continue making quick decisions against the Rams' ferocious defensive front.

Moore must attempt to make Shough a game manager, though actually sticking to that may be difficult in a matchup where they are two-touchdown underdogs. Shough attempted 30 passes versus the Bucs despite replacing Rattler midway through the third quarter. Alvin Kamara, who is playing through an injury, had just six carries. That's not a recipe for success.

The Saints own an NFL-worst 1-7 record, tied with the New York Jets and Tennessee Titans. They're currently scheduled to own the No. 1 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, but still play the Jets and Titans this year. The Saints need to explore Shough's long-term potential before deciding on a quarterback this coming offseason, options that may include Fernando Mendoza, Dante Moore, and Ty Simpson.

Rattler's recent form led to his timely benching. Shough will get his opportunity throughout the remainder of the season to prove he's a long-term solution at quarterback for the rebuilding Saints. It'll be a trial by fire for Shough versus a difficult Rams opponent.