If there was only one thing standing out about the New Orleans Saints’ offense going into the 2026 regular season, it’s the thriving connection between quarterback Tyler Shough and wide receiver Chris Olave.
In the team’s latest practice, before Olave left practice after coming down hard on his back and apparently having the wind knocked out of him, Shough and Olave connected on 5-of-6 passes, including a deep ball down the right sideline.
On the final play, one in which Olave came down hard after trying to make a leaping grab over rookie cornerback TJ Hall, a flag was thrown by an official, without a clear call made. That could have meant, in a real game situation, a defensive pass interference penalty could have been called that would have marched the team down to the one-yard line and a fresh set of downs.
But it wasn’t the only standout moment of the practice between the two. Olave and Shough connected on 8-on-8 passes in their joint practice against the Dallas Cowboys in a dazzling performance put on by the pairing that included a touchdown and impressive back-shoulder catch.
A week before that performance, another joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars provided an impressive day for the duo, connecting downfield for big gains throughout.
There’s been no shortage of highlights between the two players and heading into the 2026 regular season, their chemistry is one of the brightest sources of optimism.
Their ability to continue their strong connection throughout the season will be a catalyst in the team’s success, not just offensively, but as a whole. The lifeblood of this team’s offense will start with the run game, but that is expected to help open up the passing game where both Shough and Olave should be set to thrive.
