Tyler Shough’s hot start features a hidden trend that needs fixing for the Saints to take the next step
New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough is off to a great start this season. Things can get even better if Shough starts games like he’s been ending them.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough is off to a great start this season.
Shough is up to 662 passing yards through two games, first in the NFL right above division rival Bryce Young, and only Drew Brees had more in the first two weeks as the Saints starting QB. He led New Orleans to a spectacular comeback victory on the road against the Baltimore Ravens without any turnovers, and connecting with eight different receiving options throughout the win.
The Saints are 1-1 and looking quite promising compared to at least half the NFC South. Things can get even better if Shough starts games like he’s been ending them.
Tyler Shough has been a totally different QB in the second half of first two games
Shough’s overall production has been promising through eight quarters of play and an overtime period. He’s completed 68.9% of his passes and thrown four touchdowns to two interceptions. He’s second in the league in passing attempts (90), but is still managing a respectable yards per attempt of 7.4, which is slightly higher than what it was during his rookie year.
New Orleans is seeing great things, it just needs to see more during the beginning of games.
Shawn Syed of Sumer Sports notes Shough has been significantly more efficient in the second half of the Saints’ first two contests compared to the first half. Below are the splits Syed pulled:
| Tyler Shough Half Splits | First Half | Second Half |
| Completion % | 59.5% | 75.5% |
| Passing Yards | 187 | 475 |
| EPA/Play | -0.28 | 0.29 |
| Total EPA | -12.44 | 19.71 |
| Passing Touchdowns | 0 | 4 |
Pretty stark difference there. The Saints are nearly 2-0 because of how well Shough has played coming out of the locker room. They were close to stealing a win over the Detroit Lions in Week 1 thanks to five scoring drives in their final six possessions. Once the fourth quarter began in Baltimore, Shough turned field goals into touchdowns including his game-winning sneak on fourth-and-goal.
New Orleans has seen positive growth from Shough to start his second year. If he can get into the game a bit quicker, the Saints may start playing with leads and the wins can come a bit easier.
