Tyler Shough Draws Mixed Reviews from NFL Fans in Saints' Preseason Finale vs. Broncos

Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough delivered a mixed performance in the Saints' preseason finale Saturday night, showing flashes of promise against the Denver Broncos while also making a few costly mistakes.

The second-round pick out of Louisville threw for 102 yards on 12-of-20 passing and added two carries for 20 yards and one touchdown. He looked sharp early, helping guide the Saints into field goal range just before halftime.

However, Shough's second-half performance was more turbulent. He opened the third quarter with a quick five-play drive that lasted just 1:40 and ended in a punt. On the following possession, he fumbled inside New Orleans' own 20-yard line. The Broncos recovered and converted the turnover into a touchdown.

Shough redeemed himself with a 77-yard drive capped by an 11-yard no-huddle touchdown run out of the shotgun, cutting the Saints' deficit to 22-16 early in the fourth quarter.

Entering Saturday's game, Shough had totaled 231 passing yards with one touchdown and one interception across the Saints' preseason slate. He is currently listed as the backup quarterback on ESPN's depth chart, sitting behind Spencer Rattler and ahead of 26-year-old Jake Haener in what remains a small quarterback room.

The rookie drew mixed reviews from social media on Saturday:

The rookie took over Saturday from second-year South Carolina product Spencer Rattler, who completed 5 of 8 passes for 43 yards over the first three drives and has divided fans heading into the season.

Shough was notably selected ahead of several high-profile names in this year's NFL Draft, becoming the third quarterback off the board. In a surprise move by the Saints, he was chosen ahead of Alabama's Jalen Milroe, Oregon's Dillon Gabriel, Colorado's Shedeur Sanders and Ohio State's Will Howard.

The 25-year-old rookie spent seven years playing college football between Oregon, Texas Tech and Louisville, throwing for 3,195 yards, 23 touchdowns and six interceptions last season on a 62.7 percent completion rate. 

Saints fans are hoping some of Shough's success at Louisville will carry over into the regular season after an inconsistent preseason showing.

The Saints will open their season at home against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 7.