Saints QB Tyler Shough makes statement in second career start

Shough connected with wide receiver Chris Olave for a 62-yard touchdown on a 3rd-and-7, standing tall in a pocket and delivering a deep strike along the sideline.

Shough's second touchdown — a 30-yarder on a 3rd-and-12 — gave the Saints a 17-7 lead. He found Johnson once again after calmly stepping out of the pocket and launching a deep on-target throw.

The Saints (2-8) have had little to celebrate this season, and while one game isn't enough to anoint Shough the franchise's savior, it is something they can build upon. His poise in key situations was particularly noteworthy, as was his ability to hit on big plays. Both were missing from the Saints offense previously. Entering Week 10, New Orleans ranked last in explosive play rate (3.1 percent) and No. 20 in third-down conversion rate (37.5 percent).

If Shough builds on his impressive game — which is possible against a future schedule that includes games against the Miami Dolphins (3-7), New York Jets (2-7), Tennessee Titans (1-8) and Atlanta Falcons (3-6) twice — New Orleans will be able to use 2026 draft capital to surround its young quarterback with more talent rather than needing to find his replacement.

Shough still has a long way to go to solidifying himself as the Saints' future at quarterback, but he's a lot closer after Week 10 than he was entering the weekend.