Tyler Shough emerges as key to boosting the average Saints offense down stretch
The New Orleans Saints have finally reached their bye week of the 2025 season. With that in mind, let's evaluate the offense through 10 weeks of the Kellen Moore era.
So far? It's been... okay. Nothing spectacular; the squad on that side of the ball currently ranks 19th in the National Football League in terms of overall offense. However, when you bring in total points scored, the offense is actually bottom of the barrel, with only 150 points scored through 10 games played this season. Only three teams, the Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, and Tennessee Titans, have it worse than the black and gold do.
I'd give the offense a C grade as they enter the bye week. Yes, they've been in the middle of all the NFL's mediocrity, but they also haven't really been the sole reason for a loss just yet. The offense is just a young one and is currently experiencing growing pains. It will get better and already has since the start of the season.
Saints rookie QB Tyler Shough elevates the offense
Tyler Shough, who was just drafted back in April, hasn't played in many NFL games. However, through just two starts in black and gold, he has shown that he has what it takes to be in the league for years to come. With two starts under his belt, I'd give him a solid B.
Most evident in last week's win against the Carolina Panthers, Shough has shown the ability to elevate the offense, something that the Saints have been looking for for years at this point. Maneuvering through the pocket, not flailing when facing pressure, and making the throws that his reads give him, he is playing well enough to get himself the starting job next year in New Orleans. If he keeps playing like he is, the team might not have to draft someone like Indiana's Fernando Mendoza.
Shough brought real excitement to the fanbase as well. For the first time in what feels like a while, his performance last Sunday had fans calling for more the minute the final whistle blew. Many, including myself, are eager to see more of the Saints' 40th overall pick, because he just might be the QB of the future.
Key Lions returns set to make a playoff push a lot easier (but not right away)
Marcus Davenport and D.J. Reed have been sorely missed in the Detroit Lions' starting lineup. The Lions' pass rushing and secondary have suffered the most this season, although not to the detriment of the team's record. They're atop the NFC North at 6-3 ahead of Week 11, just waiting to get healthier ahead of a big December push.
The practice window was started for both Davenport and Reed ahead of the Lions' game against the Philadelphia Eagles, meaning the team expects to get them back within the next 21 days. It's unlikely that they both play right away, but with a few key NFC games coming up for Detroit, it's better to let them get back up to speed before throwing them back out there against top competition.
Until then, Detroit continues to plug the holes left by the two defenders, and to some decent success.
Lions set to get back two key returns, likely ahead of Packers game
While it's unclear when either will be back on the field, Reed seems more than motivated to help out the Lions - especially since they will probably be without Terrion Arnold for Sunday Night Football.
"Me, I'm a gamer, so I’m ready, but that’s not my call. Obviously, they’re going to be smart about it, but if you ask me, I’m ready to play. That’s just my mindset,"
Reed would be a huge addition to the Lions' secondary alongside Brian Branch, as it currently looks like the team is going to trot out their Legion of Whom against Philadelphia. While they are the most recent Super Bowl champions, the Eagles aren't the most formidable foe the Lions have coming up.
So, it would make sense if they decide to keep Reed and Davenport at bay until they're 100 percent ready to go against the Green Bay Packers, for example. That's the team's biggest November contest by far.
Davenport, on the other hand, could help to add back some firepower behind Al-Quadin Muhammad, Tyrus Wheat, and Tyler Lacy. They've been more than serviceable next to Aidan Hutchinson, but the Lions clearly still need someone to get after the quarterback at a higher rate aside from Hutchinson.
A healthy defense could be the difference maker for Detroit as they charge towards capturing the 1 seed. Without a pass rush attack and a shutdown secondary, the Lions will be far too reliant on an offense that lives and dies by their offensive line, another unhealthy and questionable part of their team.
