Saints’ Shough flying up Offensive Rookie Of The Year boards

By Ross Jackson

New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough has already etched himself into the franchise record books. The second-round pick has set team rookie records for completions (176), passing yards (1.792), passing touchdowns (7) and currently holds the top spot for rookie passer rating (86.5) and completion percentage (66.4%). Even with all of that, Shough could earn an even bigger accolade after the season concludes.

Shough could go from his name in the archives of Saints history to being included in the annals of league history.

After leading New Orleans to its third-consecutive win with a decisive 29-6 victory over the New York Jets, Shough’s odds to win this year’s Offensive Rookie Of The Year award have skyrocketed.

The No. 40 overall selection went into the weekend with the fifth-best odds of +1600 for the award on FanDuel Sportsbook. As of Monday morning, following his 308-yard passing day, Shough is now second with +390 odds.

He trails only Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (-340), leaping several players in the process.

Sure, he has some advantages as a quarterback. End-of-year awards often skew to the position. However, he’s earned the increased odds with his on-field success. 

The late momentum gained by the Saints can largely be attributed to the play of its young passer. He’s done well to take care of the football, limiting turnovers. He’s thrown and run his team into competitive play as well as victories. He’s helped to turn the team’s third down offense and red zone attack around in recent weeks. 

Shough has undeniably been the shot in the arm head coach Kellen Moore was looking for when he decided to make a change at the position in the second half of the team’s Week 8 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

In his seven starts, Shough holds a winning record of 4-3, leads all rookie passers in completion percentage as a starter and has completely revitalized the outlook of his franchise.

The Saints’ passer has a real shot at becoming the team’s first Offensive Rookie Of The Year award-winner since running back Alvin Kamara won it in 2017. With two winnable games on the way against the Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons, both on the road, his case can grow even stronger if the Saints were to win out.