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.
3. DO IT AGAIN
New Orleans' defense deserved better than a 23-3 loss against Tampa Bay. It held the Bucs to 212 yards, produced stops on 10 of 13 third-down attempts, kept Tampa Bay out of the end zone on seven plays from the 1-yard line and was the most physical unit on the field. Now, edge rusher Chase Young (1.5 sacks, a forced and recovered fumble, a pass defended, two quarterback hits and a tackle for loss against the Bucs) and his teammates have to do it again. And this time, it'll be against Hall-of-Fame level quarterback Matthew Stafford and a formidable offense (25 points and 360 yards per game, 11th and sixth in the league, respectively). Stafford and the Rams are going to throw the ball (257 yards per game, third in the league). Receivers Puka Nacua (54 catches, 616 yards and two touchdowns) and Davante Adams (31-431-6) have tag-teamed secondaries; New Orleans' will have to be at its best.
4. BOOK IS OPEN
The positive of having a rookie making his first start at quarterback is there aren't any NFL tendencies for reference. The Rams' defense probably has an idea what Saints coach Kellen Moore likes to call on offense, but no clue what Moore and Shough will feel comfortable going with. That can be advantageous for New Orleans. The Saints will try to pick their spots and connect on a few, especially early. Build some confidence and see where it leads.
