NOTE: A post-Derby illness shelved Coffee with Crawford for a bit late last week. But this week, it's back with more mid-morning observations. If you know of a good story or have thoughts on things discussed here, feel free to respond by email here or hit me via X or Facebook.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A year ago, the biggest question around Tyler Shough was whether he could stay healthy long enough to lead Louisville for a full season.
Shough answered all those questions in a single fantastic year at Louisville and worked himself into the No. 40 overall pick by the New Orleans Saints in last month's NFL Draft.
Now, the question is whether Shough can be an NFL starter from Day 1. With veteran quarterback Derek Carr retiring due to a shoulder injury, the door of opportunity has swung wide open for the well-traveled, 26-year-old rookie from Louisville.
First-year coach Kellen Moore said the competition is wide-open, but nobody in the current group would seem to make more sense on paper than Shough.
And Shough is showing the maturity we've all seen in the way he has answered the questions about the opportunity in front of him:
"Kellen told me this morning about it and that was the extent of it, then we went out to practice and had a lot of fun," Shough told the team's website the morning after Carr's announcement after a Saints rookie minicamp session. "... I think for me it's just going through the same process for minicamp, trying to learn the playbook and get to know my teammates as much as I can and do everything I can to continue to get better."
In throwing for 3,195 yards and 23 touchdowns with six interceptions, Shough rarely made mistakes at Louisville. What people saw less was his ability to get Louisville into just the right running play — or right protection — to spring big gains.
Sometimes in life, opportunities present themselves. Our willingness and ability to seize those often defines our accomplishments.
"All you can ask for is an opportunity, at any position," Shough said. "And I'm going to treat it the same way, as if whoever is on the roster, I've got to continue to grow and get better and do my best to elevate the QB room and the team. For me, I was going to come in regardless of him being here or not and try and continue to grow."
I don't know if Shough can physically withstand the punishment of a full NFL season — especially behind a Saints line that hasn't exactly inspired confidence. But mentally? He's ready. And in the NFL, that's half the battle.
I'm not the only one who thinks so. Drew Brees is a name that carries a little weight in New Orleans. He voiced some belief in Shough — and in Louisville coach Jeff Brohm — right after Shough was drafted in an interview with WWL Sports.
"Jeff has been pretty masterful at developing quarterbacks throughout his career," Brees said. "... To me, (Shough) is a guy who comes in with a lot of maturity. He's had to battle adversity. He's been exposed to a lot of college football. And I think spending that last year in Louisville with Jeff Brohm was kind of a tipping point for him, where he was able to combine all that experience with a coach who is a great developer of quarterbacks in a great system. I see some of the throws he made last year, and he's a big, strong guy who will stand in the pocket and take hits, and you see him making some throws that are pretty rare and unique. And he's coming in and he's not going to act like a rookie or sound like a rookie."
If Brees isn't enough, how about a few thoughts from none other than Saints great Archie Manning. Shough has attended the Manning Quarterback Academy twice. He told WWL Sports that Shough not only brings ability, but a great story.
"He's got a big arm, and he looks like a movie star, too," Manning said. "We had him two years, real likeable kid, great personality. He has fought through injuries and I thought he'd fall by the wayside. And I was so excited for the year he had last year, and then when I saw him on the draft list. ... I'm really proud of Tyler the way the hung in there. It's a real testament to him. He's a great story. ... There were four guys out there in the top quarterbacks, and there were some experts who thought he was the best of the four. ... Him playing there (at Louisville) probably had a lot to do with him catching scouts' eyes."
Perseverance. Maturity. Opportunity. Shough's winding road through seven seasons of college football was fascinating. His new chapter in the NFL could be off to a great beginning.
Quick sips
- Rich Eisen set to return to ESPN. It's been more than 20 years since Rich Eisen worked for ESPN. He has forged a place at the NFL Network and will continue with it in some capacities. But his "Rich Eisen Show," which had moved to Roku, will move to ESPN this fall, according to a report in the The Athletic. At a time when radio shows are basically TV shows, thanks to streaming video, this is a big win for ESPN as it ramps up its direct-to-consumer streaming service, set to debut this fall. Read more from The Athletic.
- Donovan Mitchell couldn't answer the bell for Sunday's blowout loss to Indiana and will undergo an MRI today but said he expects to be able to go with Cleveland facing elimination in Game 5 on Tuesday. The Cavaliers have been hit with injuries at the worst possible time. Cleveland said he suffered a lower leg injury, and he didn't play in the second half after trying to warm up with the Cavs facing a 41-point deficit. Mitchell later said it was an ankle injury but "I'll see you Tuesday."
- Congrats to Racing Louisville FC, which scored a 1-0 victory over Gotham FC over the weekend. Taylor Flint's second half goal clinched Racing's first home win of the season. On Friday at home, it will seek its third straight win in NWSL regular-season competition, something the club has never accomplished.
The Last Drop
The post-position draw for The Preakness Stakes at 7 p.m. Monday, streamed live on YouTube. With Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty working toward the Belmont, the second jewel of the Triple Crown is left touting the Derby favorite, Journalism, instead. It's a tough sell. No Crown at stake, no Derby champ. Will you still be watching?
Sports Coverage:
BOZICH | Journalism isn't running from Preakness — or another crack at Sovereignty
BOZICH | Sizzling transfer portal ratings for U of L, UK, IU men's hoops
Freedom Hall comeback set as Louisville renews rivalry with Cincinnati
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