By Jordan Long
The New Orleans Saints are set to take on the Atlanta Falcons this Sunday. They will be without starting quarterback Drew Brees who suffered cracked ribs and a punctured lung in last week’s win over the San Francisco 49ers. Brees is expected to be out at least 2 weeks. It was projected Jamies Winston would be announced as the starter, but the Saints are going with Taysom Hill.
Winston played in place of Brees last week. He finished the game 6 of 10 passing for 63 yards but was sacked 2 times. Winston has more experience being a #1 quarterback than Hill. Winston started 70 games for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His record as a starter was a disappointing 28-42. Winston’s skill as being a #1 quarterback should have made him the starter this week.
Instead, the Saints are going with Hill. Hill is mostly used in special formations on the offense. He comes in to run the ball, but can pass it as well. In his career Hill is 10 for 18 passing for 205 yards and 1 interception. He has also rushed for 538 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Hill has never started an NFL game. His last start was when he played for BYU on November 26, 2016. In that game, Hill finished the game 10 of 21 passing for 101 yards and 1 touchdown but tossed 2 interceptions. He rushed for 46 yards. BYU beat Utah State 28-10.
The Saints are taking a gamble. Hill knows the offense but hasn’t played a full game in it giving him the edge over Winston. It is possible if Hill struggles, Head Coach Sean Payton won’t wait that long to put Winston in the game.
The Saints are in a race for the NFC South Division title. They sit a half game ahead of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but could be tied depending on what happens this week. They own the tiebreaker since they beat the Buccaneers twice this year. Hopefully, Hill can help this team keep the lead in the division with Brees out.
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