Rookie Tyler Shough Starts For Saints As Team Looks For Fresh Start

Well, the Saints have made a decision.

After a tough 1-7 start, Saints' Head Coach Kellen Moore is making a change at quarterback. The team announced that rookie Tyler Shough will get the start this week, and Spencer Rattler will move to the backup role.

It’s a big move for a team just trying to find its footing.

Why the Saints Want to See Shough Now

Remember, the Saints used a high pick on Shough. They grabbed the Louisville QB in the second round, 40th overall, in this year's draft.

That's the highest the team has drafted a quarterback since all the way back in 1971 when they took Archie Manning 2nd overall. When you invest that much, you eventually have to see what the kid can do on the field.

The Tyler Shough Clock is Already Ticking

Here's the really interesting part...the age. Shough is actually a 26-year-old rookie. He’s a full year older than Spencer Rattler, who just turned 25. They even have the same birthday, just a year apart.

READ MORE: LSU National Champion Coming To Shreveport To Meet Fans

Because Shough isn't a typical young rookie, the Saints don't have a lot of time to let him sit on the bench. The team needs to find out now if he's a part of their long-term plans, or if they will be in the market for a QB this offseason.

There's a chance that they could treat Shough as a long-term prospect if he was typical rookie age, but that's not where the franchise is right now. It's going to be a short runway to prove himself.

What's Next for the New Orleans Saints?

Shough isn't getting an easy warm-up, either. He's going to have to leave Louisiana to get that first start.

His very first NFL start will be on the road against the Los Angeles Rams. After that, they head out again to face the Carolina Panthers right before the bye week. It’s a tough spot for a first start, but we're all about to see what the rookie is made of.