The New Orleans Saints, reeling from a dismal 1-7 start to the 2025 NFL season, have made a definitive quarterback change, naming rookie Tyler Shough as their starter for the crucial Week 9 matchup against the formidable Los Angeles Rams. This move marks a significant pivot for the struggling franchise, as Shough, a second-round pick, steps into the spotlight to replace benched second-year signal-caller Spencer Rattler, igniting a fresh wave of hope and speculation within the Saints fan community.
The New Orleans Saints are making a significant change at the most critical position on the field, officially naming rookie Tyler Shough their starting quarterback for the upcoming Week 9 road game against the Los Angeles Rams. This decision, confirmed on October 28, 2025, comes as the Saints, under first-year head coach Kellen Moore, grapple with a disappointing 1-7 start to the season.
Moore indicated that the quarterback change was “a pure full offensive evaluation point,” a clear signal that the team is desperate to ignite an offense that has scored just 16.0 points per game, the fourth-lowest mark in the 32-team NFL. The Saints’ offense has been particularly stagnant recently, failing to score in the final 24 minutes of a 26-14 loss to the Chicago Bears and managing only one field goal in their 23-3 home defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Rise of Tyler Shough: From College Journeyman to NFL Starter
Tyler Shough’s journey to becoming an NFL starter has been unconventional. The former Louisville star was selected by the Saints as the 40th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. A seasoned college player, Shough spent seven injury-plagued years at that level, moving through programs like Oregon, Texas Tech, and finally Louisville before arriving in New Orleans. Despite his extensive college career, he’s considered an older rookie at 26 years old.
Shough had a brief regular-season debut during the Saints’ final offensive series in a 44-13 Week 3 loss to Seattle. His most extensive action, however, came late in the third quarter of last Sunday’s game against the Buccaneers, where he stepped in after Rattler was benched. In that relief appearance, Shough completed 17 of 30 passes for 128 yards and threw one interception. He also rushed three times for 12 yards, showcasing a glimpse of his dual-threat potential.
The Saints’ decision to elevate Shough demonstrates a commitment to evaluating their future at quarterback. As the highest-drafted quarterback for the franchise since Archie Manning in 1971, Shough carries the weight of significant expectations.
Spencer Rattler’s Rollercoaster and the Saints’ Offensive Woes
The quarterback change means Spencer Rattler, a former fifth-round pick, will head to the bench. Rattler started the first eight games of the season, completing 174 of 256 passes (68%) for 1,586 yards, eight touchdowns, and five interceptions. While his completion percentage was respectable, his quarterback rating of 86.8 ranked 23rd in the NFL, reflecting a lack of explosive plays and efficiency. More critically, Rattler has a 1-13 record as an NFL starter in his career, with the Saints going 1-7 in his starts this season. His recent performance saw a noticeable dip, as he threw four interceptions and lost two fumbles across the Saints’ last two games after turning the ball over only once in the first six.
The offensive struggles of the Saints have been a major storyline, characterized by:
- A 1-7 overall record, putting them well out of playoff contention.
- An average of just 16.0 points per game, among the league’s worst.
- Frequent periods of offensive dormancy, including an inability to score in critical moments of recent games.
Head coach Kellen Moore, himself a first-time NFL head coach after spending last season as the reigning Super Bowl champion Eagles’ offensive coordinator, is hoping Shough can provide the spark needed to evaluate the team’s offensive identity moving forward.
A Formidable Challenge: Shough’s Debut Against the Rams
Tyler Shough’s first NFL start will be anything but easy. The Los Angeles Rams (5-2) are coming off their Week 8 bye and are set to host the Saints at SoFi Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. Pacific Time on Sunday.
The Rams present a significant defensive challenge, particularly for a rookie quarterback. Their pass rush is among the league’s elite, boasting the second-most sacks (26) and tied for the fifth-highest pressure rate (38.4%) in the NFL, according to Next Gen Stats. Shough will face immense pressure, with the Rams’ defense having essentially “half a game’s worth of tape” to study him from his limited action against the Buccaneers.
Oddsmakers have adjusted the line in response to the quarterback change. The Saints opened as 13.5-point underdogs, but that line has shifted to New Orleans +14 now that Shough is set to start. DraftKings currently lists the Saints at a significant +600 to win their second game of the season, underscoring the perceived difficulty of this matchup. The Saints also hold the worst record against the spread this season at 2-6, further highlighting their struggles.
Fan Perspective and Future Implications
For the Saints faithful, this quarterback change, while late in a losing season, represents a fresh start and a potential glimpse into the future. The fan community, often quick to debate roster moves and player performance, has been vocal about the team’s offensive struggles and the need for a change. Shough’s extensive college experience and second-round draft capital suggest the organization sees him as a long-term solution, making his performance in the coming weeks critical for his standing with the team and the fanbase.
As the 2025 season nears its halfway point, the Saints’ playoff hopes are virtually nonexistent. However, the remainder of the schedule becomes an extended audition for Shough and an opportunity for Coach Moore to solidify his offensive vision. This Week 9 clash against the Rams is not just about a single game; it’s about setting a foundation for the future of the New Orleans Saints.
