Saints Turn to Rookie Tyler Shough After Rattler Struggles vs. Bucs
Big changes unfolded for the New Orleans Saints in Week 8 as rookie quarterback Tyler Shough was called into action in the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Spencer Rattler, who had started the team’s first seven games, was benched after a tough outing that saw him sacked three times and throw a pick-six. At that point, the Saints were trailing 17-3, and the offense had struggled mightily, totaling just 87 yards and committing three turnovers in seven drives.
Shough, 26, who was selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Louisville, had barely seen game action before this moment. Prior to Sunday, he had attempted only two passes in a brief appearance earlier this season. This marked his first extended opportunity to lead the offense, a significant test for the rookie quarterback.
Also Read:Rattler, despite earning the Week 1 starting job out of training camp, has had a difficult season. Before being replaced, he had gone 1-6 in seven starts, throwing for 1,450 yards with eight touchdowns and four interceptions. His lone win came in Week 5 against the New York Giants, but since then, victories have been elusive. On Sunday, he completed 15 of 21 passes for 136 yards but threw the costly interception that was returned for a touchdown.
The decision to turn to Shough reflects the Saints’ desire to jumpstart an offense that has struggled to find consistency. While rookie quarterbacks often face steep learning curves, Shough’s second-round pedigree suggests the team believes he has the tools to stabilize the position. Fans and analysts alike will now be watching closely to see how he handles his first meaningful stretch of action in the NFL.
The Saints’ coaching staff made it clear that performance, not circumstance, dictated the change. Rattler’s difficulties under pressure and the team’s turnovers created a situation where a shake-up was necessary. Now, the spotlight is firmly on Shough to see if he can provide the spark New Orleans has been searching for this season.
As the Saints look to regroup and turn their fortunes around, Shough’s debut extended run may prove to be a pivotal moment in their campaign. The transition from Rattler to Shough is a reminder of how quickly things can change in the NFL, and it underscores the challenges teams face when balancing development with the need for immediate results. Sunday’s game may have been the end of the line for Rattler, but it also represents a new beginning for Shough, who now has a chance to prove himself under the bright lights of the league.
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