New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough delivered a standout performance on December 31, 2025, leading his team to a 34-26 comeback victory against the Tennessee Titans. This win marks the Saints’ fourth consecutive triumph, enhancing Shough’s position as a contender for the 2025 Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
In a thrilling matchup, Shough not only outperformed 2025 No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward but also showcased his skills with a remarkable passing display. He completed 22 of 27 attempts for 333 yards and two touchdowns, achieving a completion rate of 81.5 percent. This performance was particularly notable as he became just the second rookie in NFL history to achieve over 300 passing yards, multiple touchdowns, and no interceptions while completing at least 80 percent of his passes, joining Bo Nix of the Denver Broncos, who accomplished this feat twice last season.
Shough’s impressive performance in the fourth quarter, where he connected on all five of his pass attempts for 164 yards, played a crucial role in the comeback victory. His second consecutive game with over 300 passing yards has solidified his reputation as one of the league’s top rookie quarterbacks. Since taking over as the starter for a struggling 1-7 team, Shough has led the Saints to a 5-3 record, showcasing his ability to drive the team forward.
Rookie of the Year Case Strengthens
Statistical analysis reveals that Shough’s 1,997 passing yards over his first eight starts are the most by a rookie quarterback since C.J. Stroud threw for 2,270 yards in his inaugural season. His completion percentage of 69.6 percent ranks among the best for rookie quarterbacks since 2000, trailing only Jayden Daniels and Ben Roethlisberger, both of whom won the Rookie of the Year award in their respective years.
The accolades for Shough reflect not only his individual talent but also the overall improvement of the Saints under first-year head coach Kellen Moore. The team has exceeded expectations during this transitional season, with a promising rookie class contributing significantly. Alongside Shough, left tackle Kelvin Banks has provided stability, while safety Jonas Sanker and cornerback Quincy Riley have shown potential in the secondary. Running back Devin Neal also made an impact before being placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury.
As the season draws to a close, Shough’s performance stands in stark contrast to other leading candidates for the Rookie of the Year award. Tetairoa McMillan of the Carolina Panthers, widely considered a frontrunner, managed only one catch for five yards in a loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Similarly, Emeka Egbuka of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and TreVeyon Henderson of the New England Patriots struggled to make significant contributions in their respective games.
With one final opportunity to solidify his case in the regular-season finale, Shough’s consistent performances have positioned him as a strong contender for the prestigious award. If he maintains his current momentum, the recognition may not only highlight his individual achievements but also emphasize the growth of the New Orleans Saints as they prepare for the future. As the team heads into 2026, Shough’s role as a transformative player will be vital for their aspirations in the league.
