Tyler Shough made his NFL preseason debut in the New Orleans Saints' road matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday afternoon in Inglewood, California, and it was a wild start to his career.
Shough was one of the game's top storylines going into the game as a second-round draft pick out of Louisville. With the selection, Shough became the Saints' highest-drafted quarterback since Archie Manning in 1971.
During Sunday's game in Inglewood, Calif., Shough's debut was an up-and-down experience for fans with a promising two-minute drill, a pick-six and a long touchdown pass.
Shough entered the game at the 1:38 mark of the second quarter and led the team on a 10-play, 52-yard drive that ended with a 31-yard field goal by Blake Grupe.
Here's what fans had to say after Shough completed 5 of 8 passes for 42 yards on his first preseason drive with the Saints:
"Tyler shough looks literal centuries better than Spencer Rattler," Matt posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Tyler shough looks literal centuries better than Spencer rattler
— Matt (@Matt31804524) August 10, 2025
"Tyler Shough for [Offensive Rookie of the Year]," Trizzy Trace posted.
Tyler Shough for OROY pic.twitter.com/k1ZCxkEKgd
— Trizzy Trace (@tracegirouard48) August 10, 2025
Things went the wrong direction on Shough's second drive of the second half when he was intercepted by Chargers DB Eric Rogers, who scampered 43 yards for a touchdown at the 9:48 mark of the third quarter.
The mood of Saints fans quickly went south among those venting on social media.
"Tyler Shough for [Defensive Rookie of the Year]," Ratt N' Roll Nola posted.
Tyler Shough for DROY https://t.co/g2eez5yIQi
— Ratt N’ Roll NOLA (@1bubbacee) August 10, 2025
"Tyler Shough ruined my life..." Meno posted after the interception.
Tyler Shough ruined my life… pic.twitter.com/uxNnlTPkmu
— Meno 🇵🇭 (@Finding_Meno) August 10, 2025
"Lol, they saw Shedeur sitting there and thought ... Nahhh, Tyler Shough is who we want!!" @JoeFlyy posted.
Lol they saw Shedeur sitting there and thought …. Nahhh Tyler Shough is who we want !! https://t.co/JVPd1b0Hlj
— Hercules #4 (@JoeFlyy) August 10, 2025
After the deflating interception, Shough showed he has a short memory on the following possession when he connected with Mason Tipton on a 54-yard touchdown toss.
Saints fans suddenly rediscovered reason to believe in Shough.
"Real roller coaster of emotions, that Tyler Shough," MJ posted after the score.
Real roller coaster of emotions that Tyler Shough
— MJ (@mjll0yd) August 10, 2025
"Tyler Shough throws a pick 6 and then a 54-yard TD right after," Matt posted, accompanied with the perfect gif of a young football fans' non-verbal expressions representing the series.
Tyler Shough throws a pick 6 and then a 54 yard TD right after #Saints pic.twitter.com/4gVYKdva3Y
— Matt (@doveshow) August 10, 2025
The 25-year-old rookie finished the day completing 15 of 22 passes for 165 yards, a touchdown and an interception.
Sunday's performance is a reminder that Shough is a rookie who will make the occasional big mistake, but there were moments of promise for the Louisville product.