New Orleans Saints quarterback Ian Book had his first career start on Monday Night Football against the Miami Dolphins and it did not go well…to say the least. The rookie signal-caller out of Notre Dame completed 12 of his 20 pass attempts for just 135 yards, which is 6.8 yards per pass attempt (YPA.)

He also did not lead a touchdown drive for the entire game and threw two interceptions, one that was returned for a touchdown. Oh, and he was sacked eight times, losing 54 yards in the process. Obviously, the young Saint still has much to learn and plenty room to grow, as he told Katherine Terrell of The Athletic:

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“It's about moving on. Don't hang your head. It didn't go our way tonight… I was out there trying to bring energy and stay confident. I'm excited to watch the film and get back to the drawing board. … I'm evaluating it. It was bad. We didn't score a touchdown. Can't win a game that way,” the Saint passer said “that's a terrible feeling, throwing a pick-six in your debut. I've thrown 1 pick-six in my life, so that sucked. That's my 2nd one. That's not what you want. … It was a nightmare..went to the sideline and completely got it out of my mind because that's what I've got to do.” – Ian Book

Book was drafted by the Saints in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL draft and was expected to use this year as a “redshirt” in order to learn the offense in its entirety. However, an injury to Jameis Winston and COVID-19 issues with Trevor Siemian and Taysom Hill has forced Book–once the fourth quarterback on the depth chart–into major playing time on a team that is still alive for an NFC Wild Card berth. Up next for the Saints is a home game against the Carolina Panthers.