Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver told reporters Thursday that Saints quarterback Tyler Shough reminds him of a “poor man’s Josh Allen,” and honestly, the league isn’t ready for that kind of talk. This isn’t some throwaway compliment, either. Weaver went on to say the “sky’s the limit” for the Saints’ signal-caller, which is serious praise coming from a guy whose job is to *stop* quarterbacks.
The Physical Blueprint Is Scarily Similar
Think back to the 2025 draft. Shough was one of those prospects everyone was buzzing about, but also scratching their heads over. Analysts loved him, but nobody could figure out where to rank him because he hit 26 years old early in his rookie season. Age was a real factor that seemed to hold him back in the pre-draft hype. But looking at the cold, hard numbers, the physical comparisons to Josh Allen are wild. Shough stands at 6’5″ and 219 pounds, with a 32-inch vertical jump and a 9’9″ broad jump. Allen, who was drafted No. 7 overall by the Buffalo Bills in 2018, measured in at just under 6’5″ and 237 pounds, rocking a 33.5-inch vertical jump and a 9’11” broad jump. Those are eerily similar athletic profiles, which suggests Shough might have the physical tools to silence all the age doubters.
Shough’s Numbers Are Already Popping
Despite the age concerns, Shough has actually looked pretty darn good since taking over as the starter in New Orleans. As a rookie, he threw for 2,384 yards, 10 touchdowns, and six interceptions, plus he added 186 rushing yards and three scores on 45 carries in 11 appearances, with nine starts. Put that up against Allen’s rookie year in 2018: 2,074 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in 12 games. Statistically, Shough was a better passer right out of the gate. Sure, Allen had a massive edge on the ground with 631 yards and eight touchdowns on 89 rushing attempts, but it took Allen until his third season to fully combine his elite passing with his ground game. Fast forward to Week 1 this season against the Detroit Lions, and Shough was slinging it for 410 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. The Saints exploded for all 30 of their points after halftime, even pushing the game to overtime before Shough’s two-point conversion pass to Bryce Lance was incomplete for the win.
No one is saying Shough is on Allen’s level right now, not even close, but the potential is absolutely there. The focus on his draft age overshadowed the physical gifts and early production. This Sunday, the Saints roll into a matchup against Weaver’s Ravens. You can bet that defense will be ready, but you gotta wonder if Shough is about to show everyone why that “poor man’s Josh Allen” comparison might just be the best hype he could get.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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