A Challenging Debut for Tyler Shough
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — For Tyler Shough, the journey to his first NFL start with the New Orleans Saints is filled with both excitement and apprehension. The rookie quarterback is fully aware of the challenges he faces when stepping onto the field against the Los Angeles Rams. He has studied the team’s defensive strategies, particularly the efforts of players like Jared Verse and Byron Young, who are known for their relentless pass rush.
“They’re probably the best in the league just from a disruptive standpoint, attacking the quarterback,” Shough said. “So I’ve got to do my role and protect the ball, be ready to step up, find different lanes and just be comfortable back there. ... Their defense is incredibly good.”
The Rams, currently ranked second in the league with 26 sacks, have a defense that is not only aggressive but also highly effective at limiting points. Their scoring defense ranks third in the league, making them a formidable opponent.
A High-Stakes Opportunity
With the Saints struggling at 1-7, the decision to hand the offense to Shough came sooner than expected. The team didn’t have the luxury of waiting for an easier matchup before turning to their highest-drafted quarterback since Archie Manning in 1971.
“Obviously, if you were following that trend line, this probably wouldn’t be the week (for Shough's debut),” said Saints coach Kellen Moore with a laugh. “You know, these guys are playing really good football. But Tyler did an awesome job through his whole preparation, and I think this is a great opportunity for our team as a whole.”
Shough’s Mobility and the Rams’ Strategy
Shough’s mobility could be a key factor in countering the Rams’ sophisticated pass rush. Throughout his college career, he rushed for over 250 yards twice, showcasing his ability to extend plays. However, the Rams are aware of his skills and are eager to exploit any potential weaknesses.
“It's definitely a thought in our mind, but not too much,” said Verse. “When you see his college tape, he had 3,000-something yards his last season. He's very well-established. He plays very well in a good system. He knows how to control himself. You get him going, he's going to make you pay. I watched his college tape just to get an idea.”
Momentum and Preparation
The Rams are coming off a bye week and entering their first home game in a month with a rare sense of momentum. After struggling in previous seasons, they managed to win two consecutive road games and rise to the top of the NFC before the break.
Coach Sean McVay expressed his satisfaction with the team's recent performance, noting that it’s been a long time since the Rams experienced positive momentum. “I was saying this to my wife: ‘It’s been a few years since we’ve had an enjoyable bye or positive momentum,’” McVay said.
A Connection to the Past
Moore, one of the youngest coaches in the NFL, has a unique connection to the league’s history. During his early days as a player, he was teammates with Matthew Stafford, the Lions' franchise quarterback. “Yeah, that was a long time ago,” Moore said with a smile. “It’s really remarkable the type of quarterback he’s been for such a long time. He’s one of the premier quarterbacks in our league.”
Puka Nacua’s Return
The Rams are also looking forward to the return of Puka Nacua, their top playmaker. Nacua, who was leading the NFL in receptions and yards receiving before an ankle injury, has used the bye week to recover and is expected to be available for the game.
Turnover Issues
For the Saints, the challenge extends beyond the field. In their past two games, they have turned the ball over eight times, which is a critical issue when facing a team like the Rams, who are tied for first in fumble recoveries and have 10 takeaways on the season.
“We’ve got to attack that, because obviously it’s going to become a discussion point and theme for our opponents,” Moore said. “We’ve got to do an excellent job of protecting it.”