Saints rookie QB Tyler Shough chose to scare fans in order to guarantee New Orleans would get key call late in win over Panthers
Tyler Shough is playing wise beyond his years as a rookie for the Saints.
The New Orleans Saints have swept the Carolina Panthers this season. On the back of another solid defensive performance and a timely second half performance from rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, the black and gold look like a team playing like they are in the middle of the postseason race for the NFC.
Shough made an incredibly smart play at the very end of the Week 15 victory that also scared Saints fans in the moment. Luckily, it was all in Shough’s plan, and he is feeling great after the win.
Tyler Shough sold injury from late hit that put Saints in field goal range
After the game, the young QB made a veteran admission. He revealed that he tried to exaggerate his reaction to Lathan Ransom’s hit as he slid. The quarterback made sure to make it look like an incredibly hard hit as he started his slide and even stumbled off the field, showing a bit of an injured look for the referees to see. Shough wanted to sell that it was an illegal hit, which it was by the Panthers defender.
That penalty set up New Orleans in field goal range, where young kicker Charlie Smyth nailed the game-sealing try. That headiness from Shough is part of the reason that Kellen Moore and co. felt incredibly confident in him during the 2025 NFL Draft. As an older prospect, Shough learned plenty of situational lessons over the years.
Shough is now 3-1 versus NFC South foes. His mobility and clutch throws on third down have both been key factors in New Orleans’ offensive success since Shough took over for Spencer Rattler. Shough plays with a ton of confidence and has developed a clear connection with wide receiver Devaughn Vele and Chris Olave.
It has only been a handful of starts for Shough, but his smarts are standing out. Add in some really intriguing physical traits that come with his large frame. – and you’ve got a quarterback who is already making waves during his first season in the NFL. Let’s see if he can stay hot in Week 16.
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