Tyler Shough is already a top 10 quarterback in the league, according to Saints expert Suit Williams, and that’s a wild claim with Week 5 against the 5-0 Vikings just days away. Williams dropped that bombshell on The Real Forno Show, insisting that “Shough, everybody believes in. People think Shough is the truth.” This isn’t just a bold take; it sets a massive expectation for the Saints’ signal-caller as they head into a crucial clash at the Superdome.
A Top-10 QB Stuck in a Slow Offense?
While Williams is hyping Shough, he’s also ripping into Kellen Moore’s offense. The Saints’ head coach has a serious problem with slow starts, and it’s driving fans nuts. “Why does the team start slow every week? Why can’t we score touchdowns in the first quarter? That just feels like a feature of the system and not a bug,” Williams blasted. It’s a fair point, because if Shough truly is a top-tier talent, then the coaching has to unlock that potential from kickoff. Adding to the offensive woes, the Saints’ offensive line is absolutely decimated. Kelvin Banks Jr. is sidelined, leaving backup Asim Richards to face Dallas Turner, who currently leads the entire NFL in pressures. Williams summed it up perfectly: “The league leader in pressures against our backup tackle, that’s terrifying.” You can’t ask a QB, even a “top 10” one, to consistently perform under that kind of relentless heat.
Flores’ Defense Is Waterboarding, But What About Kyler?
On the other side of the ball, the Vikings are rolling at 5-0, thanks largely to Brian Flores’ league-best defense. This unit is playing lights out, boasting a staggering -0.18 EPA per play. Tyler Forness didn’t hold back, saying Flores “is waterboarding you every single play. And it is relentless.” That’s the kind of defense that can single-handedly win games. But here’s the kicker: Williams is not convinced by the Vikings’ offense, especially Kyler Murray. He even questioned the QB swap, saying “I’d have given it another year with McCarthy.” Murray, according to Williams, is “a guy who lives off of like highlights and playing him on Madden.” The stats back up some of that concern, too, as the Vikings offense is dead last in passing yards with just 177 per game, and Justin Jefferson has been limited to just 18 snaps with Murray under center. That’s a huge red flag for a team sitting at 5-0.
Can the Saints Scrap for a Win Amidst the Chaos?
The Saints are coming into this game after a humiliating Monday night loss to the Atlanta Falcons, so they’re desperate for a rebound. They’ve been hit hard by injuries, with Jordyn Tyson (their 8th overall pick), Kaden Elliss, Travis Etienne, and the aforementioned Kelvin Banks Jr. all sidelined. Despite all the chaos, there are glimmers of hope. Devaughn Vele, acquired from Denver, is emerging as a reliable target, with “Third and Vele” becoming a real thing. Chris Olave is “balling out” and earning his contract extension, even with his concussion history, rocking a guardian cap to stay on the field. Williams, against all odds, predicted a gritty Saints win: “14 to 12 over the fighting Reichards.” He even gave a shoutout to Will Reichard, the kicker, saying “Reichard can win this game. He can.” As for the Saints’ defense, Williams admitted, “Saints defense has my curiosity. They gotta earn my attention.” So, Vikings-Saints, Week 5 at the Superdome. Can Shough defy the O-line woes and Moore’s slow starts to prove Williams right? Will Flores’ defense suffocate Murray and that anemic passing game? And can Reichard really kick the Saints to a 14-12 victory? This one’s gonna be a grinder, no doubt.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Daily Norseman.
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