Ravens DC compares Saints QB Shough to Josh Allen ahead of Week 2

Ravens defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver compared Saints quarterback Tyler Shough to Josh Allen, citing his arm talent, athleticism, and ability to scramble. Weaver, who faced Shough as a rookie when coaching Miami last season, said the comparison is a positive assessment of the second-year quarterback's potential.

Quick Facts

Weaver compared Shough to Josh Allen
Shough threw for 410 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, 1 fumble in Week 1 vs Detroit
Shough went 11 of 19 for 206 yards under pressure in Week 1
Ravens generated pressure on 52.9% of dropbacks in Week 1
Anthony Weaver (Ravens DC)

Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver praised New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough during a Thursday press conference ahead of Sunday's matchup, comparing him to Buffalo Bills star Josh Allen. Weaver described Shough as "a poor man's Josh Allen," highlighting the second-year quarterback's arm talent, athleticism, and ability to scramble and extend plays—particularly in the red zone. Weaver emphasized that while the phrase might sound like faint praise, naming Shough alongside Allen represents a significant compliment at this stage of his career.

Weaver's assessment was informed by prior experience. When he served as Miami's defensive coordinator last season, he faced Shough as a rookie and came away impressed. Against the Dolphins, Shough threw for 239 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception in a 21-17 loss, nearly leading a late-game comeback. Weaver told reporters that Shough "doesn't get enough credit for how good an athlete he is" and predicted that "the more reps he gets, the more confident he's going to get."

Shough's strong Week 1 performance against Detroit provided context for Weaver's comments. The Saints quarterback completed 35 of 56 passes for a career-high 410 yards and three touchdowns in a 31-30 overtime loss to the Lions, becoming just the third Saints quarterback to record a 400-yard passing game. He also threw two interceptions and lost a fumble but recovered to lead five scoring drives in his team's final six possessions, demonstrating resilience under pressure.

According to Next Gen Stats, Shough went 11 of 19 for 206 yards under pressure in Week 1—all career-high marks. The Ravens defense generated pressure on 52.9% of dropbacks in their opening game, a significant increase from their fifth-lowest pressure rate last season (30.1%). Baltimore generated pressure in an average of 2.33 seconds, their quickest mark since 2020 when generating at least 15 pressures in a game.

Saints head coach Kellen Moore said he had not seen Weaver's comparison when asked about it Friday. Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, however, interpreted the comments as complimentary, stating that "anytime you're compared to somebody like Josh Allen, you're a dang good player." The Saints and Ravens kick off from Baltimore on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.

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#Josh Allen #comparison #NFL #Ravens #Week 2 #Tyler Shough #quarterback #Anthony Weaver #Saints

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Why This Matters

Saints QB Shough's performance trajectory affects New Orleans' playoff positioning and trade/salary cap decisions; Ravens defensive preparation directly impacts Sunday's outcome and whether Baltimore can replicate their improved pass-rush efficiency (52.9% pressure rate in Week 1, up from 30.1% average last season). Weaver's public scouting assessment signals Ravens' tactical approach to neutralizing Shough's scramble ability in the red zone, where he proved effective in Week 1 (410 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs vs Detroit).

Timeline & Sources

Sep 18, 2026

Wire

Weaver holds Thursday press conference and compares Shough to Josh Allen

Sep 19, 2026

Wire

Saints head coach Moore says he did not see Weaver's comparison

Sep 22, 2026

Wire

Saints vs Ravens Week 2 matchup scheduled for 1 p.m. ET in Baltimore

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