Rookie Takes the Reins Amid Rough Start (Image Credits: Pixabay)
New Orleans – Defensive standout Cam Jordan has emerged as a vocal supporter of rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, predicting a starring role for the young passer in the Saints’ future.[1][2]
Rookie Takes the Reins Amid Rough Start
The New Orleans Saints endured a challenging beginning to the 2025 season, starting 1-7 with Spencer Rattler at quarterback.[2] Coaches turned to Shough in Week 9, and the second-round draft pick from the 2025 NFL Draft responded with poise. He appeared in 11 games, passing for 2,384 yards and 13 touchdowns.[1]
Shough posted a 5-4 record as a starter, including a 5-3 stretch after a shaky debut against the Rams. The team rattled off four consecutive victories at one point, marking their longest winning streak since Drew Brees’ final year in 2020.[2] Despite finishing 6-11 and missing the playoffs for a fifth straight season, Shough’s emergence offered a glimmer of hope.
Veteran Praise Highlights Shough’s Toughness
Cam Jordan, an eight-time Pro Bowl defensive end and Saints mainstay, witnessed Shough’s grit firsthand. The rookie absorbed heavy hits yet rose each time, even revealing bruises from rib cage to hip while cracking jokes on the sideline.[2]
“What he’s doing is, ‘Hey, I’m gonna fight each and every play.’ I think that boy said something like, ‘I’m gonna die for y’all,’” Jordan recounted. He added that Shough’s competitive fire and rapid development erased any “rookie” label, affirming him as QB1 material.[2] In one standout moment, Shough evaded a sack, stepped up, and delivered a precise throw across his body for a touchdown.
Long Search for Stability at Quarterback
The Saints have sought a successor to Drew Brees since his retirement. Efforts with Jameis Winston, Andy Dalton, and Derek Carr fell short of establishing a reliable leader.[1]
- Winston provided flashes but inconsistency plagued his tenure.
- Dalton offered veteran steadiness yet lacked long-term spark.
- Carr arrived with promise, though injuries and uneven play limited impact.
- Shough now steps into the spotlight as the potential answer.
Jordan sees clear potential. “I think with him, there could be a bright future,” he told TMZ Sports, “and hopefully he can continue to build upon that process that we showed last year.”[1]
Optimism Builds for 2026 Campaign
With head coach Kellen Moore at the helm, the Saints plan to build around Shough moving forward. Jordan urged the quarterback to keep grinding and proving his worth amid rising expectations.[1]
The veteran dismissed modest goals, insisting the aim remains a Super Bowl run. “Ain’t nobody in the whole offseason, like man, I hope we just win three games,” he quipped, taking a jab at lower-aspiring teams.[1] Shough’s poise has shifted draft priorities, freeing resources to bolster the offense.
Key Takeaways
- Shough’s 5-4 starter record and 2,384 yards signal franchise potential.
- Jordan’s endorsement underscores the rookie’s toughness and leadership.
- Saints eye playoffs in 2026, building on late-2025 momentum.
Cam Jordan’s faith in Tyler Shough could mark the dawn of a new era for the Saints. What do you think of Shough’s rookie promise? Share in the comments.
