Rookie Tyler Shough will become the ninth quarterback to start for the New Orleans Saints since Drew Brees retired in 2020, and that sounds precisely like what it is: New Orleans has not been able to solidify the position.
There’ll be ups and downs for Shough; rookie quarterbacks generally struggle in the NFL, and don’t expect Shough to be different. He’ll need help — lots of it — in order for the Saints (1-7) to be successful against the Rams (5-2) on Sunday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Cal. But he has had the benefit of watching instead of being thrust into the fire, and practicing against the Saints’ starting defense for a few months will hopefully help.
Here are a few ways the Saints can help the second-round draft pick on Sunday:
1. GIVE HIM TIME
Yes, Shough will need time (and patience) to develop into a reliable starter and get somewhat comfortable in the pocket. Because whatever pressure packages the Rams have on defense will be unleashed against him. Shough and Spencer Rattler were sacked a combined five times against Tampa Bay last Sunday; the pass protection schemes have to be on the money in order to keep Shough standing. Blitz pickups in the backfield (Alvin Kamara, Devin Neal, Taysom Hill) may be as critical as a solid wall by the offensive line. The Rams have 26 sacks this season — second most in the league — so it’ll be important how Shough responds when he is pressured.
2. RUN IT BACK
New Orleans totaled 48 rushing yards on 15 carries against the Buccaneers and half of that — six carries for 24 yards — was accumulated by Shough and Rattler. The numbers suggest the Rams’ run defense will be more accommodating (115.7 rushing yards allowed in the last three games, 105.9 overall), and if the Saints want to keep their defense and the Rams’ offense off the field, and keep some of the heat off Shough, running the ball is the best way. Still, Shough will have to connect on a shot play or two in order to keep the defense honest, and he doesn’t seem overly concerned about taking a chance and throwing deep. If he can do that, the running game will be that much more effective.
