Saints head coach Sean Payton talks to quarterback Taysom Hill. (Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports)
The New Orleans Saints should give Taysom Hill the starting quarterback job over Jameis Winston because of his experience and more.
Drew Brees’ retirement set the Saints up for the NFL’s most interesting quarterback battle this year.
Former backup Taysom Hill and ex-Buccaneers QB Jameis Winston are locked in a tight contest for the starting job. Sean Payton has just a few more weeks to decide which of the two will lead New Orleans into the 2021 season.
While Winston brings his own pluses to the table, here are some reasons Hill should get the nod.
3 reasons the Saints should start Taysom Hill over Jameis Winston
Familiarity with Sean Payton
Hill has been with the Saints since 2017, learning from Brees while also filling various roles in the lineup. He’s the quarterback with the most familiarity with the system.
Winston joined New Orleans last year, which was definitely not the ideal time to be picking up an offense under the cloud of COVID-19 restrictions.
When Brees was injured in 2020, Hill came in and went 3-1 as a starter. He completed 72.7 percent of his passes while keeping it simple and not trying the do too much.
New Orleans doesn’t need an all-world quarterback. They’re best off letting Alvin Kamara and the rushing offense lead the way. Hill can facilitate that.