Saintsrookie QB Shoughtostartvs. Jaguars

Published in Media and Entertainment on Sunday, August 17th 2025 at 0:51 GMT by ESPN
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Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough will start Sunday's preseason game against the Jaguars, the Saints announced on social media Saturday.

Saints Rookie QB Tyler Shough Set to Make NFL Debut Start Against Jaguars

In a surprising turn of events for the New Orleans Saints, rookie quarterback Tyler Shough has been named the starter for their upcoming matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. This decision comes amid a challenging season for the Saints, who have been plagued by injuries and inconsistencies at the quarterback position. Shough, a relatively unheralded prospect who joined the team as an undrafted free agent, will step into the spotlight in what promises to be a high-stakes game for both teams vying for playoff positioning.

Shough's journey to this moment has been anything but straightforward. Originally from Chandler, Arizona, he began his college career at the University of Oregon, where he showed flashes of potential as a dual-threat quarterback. Standing at 6-foot-5 and possessing a strong arm, Shough was seen as a developmental talent with the tools to succeed at the professional level. However, injuries and competition for playing time led him to transfer to Texas Tech, where he continued to hone his skills under a pro-style offense. His time with the Red Raiders was marked by impressive performances, including games where he threw for over 300 yards and multiple touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to read defenses and make quick decisions under pressure.

After going undrafted in the most recent NFL Draft, Shough signed with the Saints, drawn to the organization's history of developing quarterbacks and the opportunity to learn under head coach Dennis Allen. Throughout training camp and the preseason, Shough impressed the coaching staff with his work ethic, arm strength, and poise in the pocket. He spent the early part of the season on the practice squad, absorbing the nuances of the NFL game while backing up veterans like Derek Carr and Jake Haener. But with Carr sidelined due to a lingering oblique injury sustained in a previous game, and Haener dealing with his own setbacks, the door opened for Shough to take the reins.

Coach Allen addressed the media in a press conference, expressing confidence in the young quarterback's readiness. "Tyler has been putting in the work since day one," Allen said. "He's got the physical tools, but more importantly, he's shown mental toughness and a quick grasp of our offensive schemes. This is an opportunity for him to show what he can do, and we're excited to see him out there." Allen emphasized that the decision was not just a stopgap measure but a strategic choice based on Shough's performances in practice, where he has consistently outperformed expectations in simulated game scenarios.

The Saints' offense has struggled this season, ranking near the bottom of the league in passing efficiency and points per game. With key weapons like wide receiver Chris Olave and running back Alvin Kamara at his disposal, Shough will have the tools to potentially turn things around. Olave, in particular, could benefit from Shough's deep-ball accuracy, as the rookie QB has a reputation for stretching the field and creating big-play opportunities. Kamara's versatility in the run and pass game will also provide Shough with a safety valve, allowing him to ease into the rhythm of an NFL start.

On the other side, the Jaguars present a formidable challenge. Led by quarterback Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville boasts a dynamic offense and a defense that has been opportunistic in creating turnovers. The Jaguars' pass rush, anchored by edge rushers like Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, will test Shough's ability to handle pressure and make decisions on the fly. Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has been working closely with Shough to prepare him for these matchups, incorporating plays that play to his strengths, such as bootlegs and play-action passes that allow him to use his mobility.

Shough's college stats, while not always eye-popping due to inconsistent playing time, highlight his potential. At Texas Tech, he completed over 60% of his passes in his final season, throwing for more than 2,000 yards with a solid touchdown-to-interception ratio. His experience in high-pressure situations, including bowl games and rivalry matchups, has prepared him for the intensity of the NFL. Teammates have rallied around him, with veteran lineman Ryan Ramczyk noting, "Tyler's got that fire. He's been waiting for this moment, and we're going to protect him and give him every chance to succeed."

This start represents more than just a roster move for the Saints; it's a glimpse into the future. With Carr's contract situation and the team's salary cap constraints, Shough could position himself as a long-term option if he performs well. Analysts are divided on his prospects—some see him as a diamond in the rough, comparable to other late-blooming QBs like Brock Purdy, while others caution that his lack of starting experience at the pro level could lead to growing pains.

As game day approaches, the focus will be on Shough's ability to manage the game, avoid costly mistakes, and lead the Saints to a much-needed victory. The matchup is set for Thursday night, giving Shough a national stage to announce his arrival in the league. For a team searching for answers, this rookie could be the spark they've been missing.

Beyond the immediate implications, Shough's story is one of perseverance. Overcoming transfers, injuries, and the disappointment of going undrafted, he embodies the underdog narrative that resonates in the NFL. His preparation has included film study sessions with former Saints QBs and mental conditioning to handle the spotlight. If he can translate his practice reps into game success, it could reshape the Saints' quarterback room for years to come.

The Jaguars, meanwhile, are coming off a mixed bag of performances, with Lawrence showing signs of returning to form after an up-and-down start. Their defense, while talented, has vulnerabilities in the secondary that Shough might exploit if he can get into a groove. Saints fans are cautiously optimistic, hoping that this bold move injects new energy into a season that's been defined by adversity.

In the broader context of the NFC South, a win here could keep the Saints in contention, especially with divisional rivals like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons heating up. Shough's performance will be scrutinized, but the young QB seems unfazed. "I've dreamed of this since I was a kid," he told reporters. "I'm ready to go out there and compete." Whether this is the start of something special or a brief cameo remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Tyler Shough is about to make his mark on the NFL. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full ESPN Article at:
[ https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45995579/saints-rookie-qb-tyler-shough-start-vs-jaguars ]

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