Taysom Hill Not Ruled Out As Potential Starter To Replace Drew Brees
Sep 18, 2019, 12:28 PM
Taysom Hill #7 of the New Orleans Saints throws a pass against the Miami Dolphins at Mercedes Benz Superdome on August 29, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, La. – Are we on the verge of Taysom-mania erupting in New Orleans? Saints head coach Sean Payton is not ruling out the possibility of quarterback Taysom Hill starting for the Saints in replace of the injured Drew Brees.
Brees, who suffered a torn ligament in his right thumb is expected to be out for at least six weeks according to multiple reports. On Wednesday, Payton did not give a timeline for how long Brees would be out. Payton also said he wouldn’t be placing Bress on injured reserve.
I can’t wait to see how Sean Payton uses Taysom Hill this Weeknd! He is the human Swiss Army Knife and a threat no matter where he is on the field! He’s a blue collar type of player and always plays with a chip on his shoulder! #PunchTheClock
— Reggie Bush (@ReggieBush) September 18, 2019
So there is a lot of speculation as to who will be the next guy to start for the high-powered Saints offense while Brees is out.
Teddy Bridgewater stepped in for Brees last week after the future hall of fame quarterback injured his thumb. Bridgewater has been believed to be the next starter in line because he’s the highest-paid backup quarterback in the NFL this year. The former first-round draft pick is pulling in $7.5 million this year with the Saints.
Sean Payton says don’t assume anything.
When Sean Payton was asked a question about Taysom Hill being the No. 2 quarterback, he said, "You're assuming he's the No. 2." He said they'll approach Sunday's game with two QBs. And he said that can be an advantage against the Seahawks. https://t.co/XTlDWkyGOS
— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) September 18, 2019
The one thing you can count on is that the Saints will likely use both Bridgewater and Hill this Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.
Taysom, a former BYU star, has gained a cult following around the NFL and within the Saints fan base.
In Taysom’s rookie season, FOX NFL analyst Troy Aikman famously said that the heir apparent to Brees for the Saints “was in the building.” Aikman was referring to Taysom after conversations Aikman had with Payton.
Through two games this season, Taysom has yet to play any snaps at quarterback. The versatile Hill has seen time at running back, wide receiver, and special teams this season.
Sean Payton going with TWO quarterbacks week.
How many true QB snaps do you see Taysom Hill getting?https://t.co/QuBJQCLIYb pic.twitter.com/RObVS1QR4c
— KSL's UnRivaled (@KSLunrivaled) September 18, 2019
Hill’s role as a do-it-all specialist will likely go by the wayside with him being needed at quarterback and that’s okay with the former BYU star.
Last season, Hill expressed that his goal in the NFL is to become a starting quarterback in the league.
During the preseason, Hill had 448 passing yards and 148 rushing yards and he completed 67-percent of his passes. Hill helped lead a comeback victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in week two of the preseason that had social media buzzing last month.
This could all be a ploy by Sean Payton to have gamesmanship over the Seahawks and Hill could remain in the versatile role he’s excelled at. But we won’t know for sure until kickoff on Sunday at 2:25 p.m. (MT) when the Saints take on the Seahawks.
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12-3 pm) on KSL Newsradio. Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.
