As it currently stands, the New Orleans Saints hold the No. 2 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft and sit at the bottom of their division with a 2–8 record. Likewise, the Pelicans are at the bottom of the Western Conference standings, also at 2–8. Yet, despite the gloomy outlook, the city of New Orleans has found a bit of hope in two young men who are starting to give fans something to believe in. At least, that’s how it looks right now.
The Saints’ season began with Spencer Rattler under center, and things could not have gone much worse. He guided the team to a 1–7 start before first-year head coach Kellen Moore decided to make a change, handing the offense to rookie quarterback Tyler Shough.
In his first start against the Los Angeles Rams, Shough had a rough go of it. The Rams’ defense dominated time of possession, leaving the rookie little opportunity to get into rhythm. Still, he flashed some promise late in the second quarter, orchestrating a six-play, 71-yard drive capped by a touchdown pass to his former college teammate, Juwan Johnson. It was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing outing for the Saints.
Fast forward to last Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, and Shough put on a scintillating performance. It was easily the best quarterback showing of the year for New Orleans, with 282 passing yards, two touchdowns, a 70 percent completion rate, and a quarterback rating of 128.9. While Rattler was not necessarily the problem, he never reached those numbers this season. That is understandable for a fifth-round rookie. However, when you are a second-round pick, the highest-drafted Saints quarterback in decades, there is an expectation that you will flash and eventually shine.
Sunday against the Panthers was that beautiful flash. Shough showed poise under pressure, a major question mark heading into the season after one of his pre-draft lowlights went viral. Regardless, he has completely changed the conversation around New Orleans. Every Saints podcast this week is asking the same question: Has New Orleans finally found its franchise quarterback?
For the Pelicans, it was not a coaching decision but an injury that opened the door for their own promising rookie. When Zion Williamson went down with yet another early-season injury, his minutes were redistributed, and Derik Queen became the unexpected benefactor.
Since Zion’s absence, Queen has played at least 25 minutes in three of the last four games and has made the most of the opportunity. He has scored in double figures consistently and flirted with triple-doubles twice in points, rebounds, and assists. More importantly, he played a key role in snapping the Pelicans’ early losing streak, helping secure their first two wins of the season. He still has room to grow, but it has been a strong start for the rookie. When Zion returns, fans may finally see a more balanced and dynamic Pelicans team.
With LSU reeling, the Saints and Pelicans struggling, and even Southern University enduring a difficult year, it has been a bleak stretch for Louisiana sports fans. Yet, these two young men, Tyler Shough and Derik Queen, offer a much-needed glimmer of hope in an otherwise rough year for New Orleans.
