- Tyler Shough has given the Saints a legitimate reason to consider him as their starting quarterback: Shough earned an overall PFF grade of 76.6 in the Week 17 win, marking the third time in his past four games that he has posted a grade of at least 75.0. Since making his first start in Week 8, Shough has been the NFL’s 10th-highest rated quarterback overall and the highest-rated rookie at the position.
- Third downs are often a challenge for young quarterbacks, but that wasn’t the case for Tyler Shough: Since his first start in Week 8, his PFF grade of 82.0 ranks third and seventh among all quarterbacks.
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The New Orleans Saints just won their fourth game in a row behind another strong performance from rookie quarterback Tyler Shough.
The second-round pick has continued to rise, giving the Saints a legitimate reason to view him as their starting quarterback heading into next season.
Shough earned an overall PFF grade of 76.6 in the Week 17 win, marking the third time in his past four games that he has posted a grade of at least 75.0. Since making his first start in Week 8, Shough has been the NFL’s 10th-highest rated quarterback overall and the highest-rated rookie at the position.
In Week 17, Shough showcased his deep passing ability, recording a career-high three big throws for a high percentage of 10.7%, 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 main beneficiary of these deep shots is Chris Olave, whose bond with Shough has continued to grow over the past three weeks. The former first-round receiver has averaged 3.03 yards per route and earned a PFF grade of 83.7 over that span, both of which rank in the top 10 among all receivers.
On both of the above plays, Shough showed good understanding and trust in Olave. Every throw came down to what amounted to single coverage within the Titans’ zone-match defense, and Shough consistently recognized that targeting Olave in those situations offered his best chance for success.
That confidence wasn’t limited to Olave alone, however, as Shough has done an excellent job of 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 flash a two-high grenade before rotating into a Cover 3 look after the snap, while the Saints call a dagger concept downfield. 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 try the seam throw, but he quickly identifies the safety on the backside turning into the lane, making it a difficult option. Instead, he works towards the back and identifies a corner route against real man coverage. Shough is decisive and timely, 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 a challenge for young quarterbacks, as defensive coordinators are typically the most aggressive. That hasn’t been the case for Tyler Shough. Since his first start in Week 8, his PFF grade of 82.0 ranks third and seventh among all quarterbacks.
I really like this from Shough to work quickly to the back pic.twitter.com/v3gFoPEPZp
— Nick Akridge (@PFF_NickAkridge) December 29, 2025
The above play came on third-and-1 with the Saints holding a one-point lead, making it a pivotal moment as they tried to create separation from the Titans. Tennessee again shows a double-high shell before turning to a single-high coverage after the snap. New Orleans pre-snap motion signals man coverage, with the defender following the moving man, prompting Shough to initially look at Chris Olave.
Although the throw to Olave is available, the defender’s outside leverage against a breakaway route would have made it a difficult completion. Shough calmly works through his progression, scanning across the field before finding the tight end of a dig route on the back end. He keeps his feet active and his base aligned on every read, allowing him to deliver the ball quickly as soon as the window opens. The throw itself is routine, but the process is high-level and the play ultimately produced the Saints’ final touchdown.
Entering the season, the Saints lacked clarity at quarterback, and it took nearly half a year for Shough to take over as starter. Since then, he has performed as the league’s best starting quarterback, giving New Orleans clear direction heading into the offseason.
Instead of joining the annual quarterback carousel, the Saints now appear to be in a position to build around a passer who has already proven he can run the offense at a high level.
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