Who Should I Start? Tyler Shough or Drake Maye

Thursday, May 29, 2:57 PM

New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough, who is firmly in the battle for the QB1 job, had an "encouraging performance" during Thursday's OTA practice. "Shough showed it today," Saints reporter Nick Underhill wrote. "Hit two bombs for TDs, real nice layered throw going to the sideline and had an incomplete pass on the move that barely missed but athleticism flashed." The 25-year-old is likely the favorite to be the Week 1 starter in Kellen Moore's new offense after the sudden retirement of Derek Carr (shoulder), so the positive report is promising. Shough was a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft after tossing for 7,820 yards, 59 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions in 42 collegiate games with Oregon, Texas Tech, and Louisville. He also scored 11 career rushing touchdowns. Shough is no stranger to learning a new system on the fly, so he could exceed relatively low expectations in Year 1.

Tuesday, May 20, 11:39 PM

The Athletic's Chad Graff reports that New England Patriots second-year quarterback Drake Maye struggled in his first practice at organized team activities on Tuesday. Nobody should be putting too much stock into it, but Maye tossed four interceptions on his 16 pass attempts with the defense dominating early on. Three of the throws were outright misses, and one of them came on a batted pass on a throw behind his intended receiver. It's not all that surprising, though, with defenses usually ahead at this time of year and with Maye learning a new offensive scheme from Josh McDaniels. The 22-year-old former third overall pick eventually took over starting duties last year from Jacoby Brissett and predictably struggled for a Pats team lacking many offensive weapons. Drake showed signs of greatness, though, and he should be able to take a step forward in McDaniels' scheme with improved offensive weapons.