The hottest question of the Saints offseason, who will win the quarterback competition between Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill? For the first time in 15 years there will be a quarterback competition in New Orleans with the retirement of Drew Brees. The current roster contains four quarterbacks, Jameis Winston, Taysom Hill, Trevor Siemian, and Ian Book who will all compete for the starting quarterback job and compete to be the next franchise quarterback. It’s safe to say that Siemian will likely not win the competition and Ian Book likely wouldn’t start or get much of a shot due to the circumstances. So between Taysom and Jameis, here’s what you need to know.
As of now Jameis Winston is the leading candidate for the job, after a report from Ian Rapoport, but that doesn’t mean much. Sean Payton can and will change his mind if he feels it will benefit the team now and down the road. After being sidelined for a season and being under the influence of Drew Brees during that season the position is Winston’s to lose. For those who believe that the decision is a “no brainer” and that Taysom should stay as a gadget player, it’s anyone’s position to win.
In the four games Taysom started at quarterback, those weren’t bad games. The first game vs the Falcons was outstanding, the Broncos game doesn’t count, the second Falcons game was decent enough to win but still needed improvement, and the Eagles game was a total team collapse and still only lost by a touchdown. This offseason Taysom is training primarily for quarterback as well and developing his craft which if it’s done in a effective way Taysom could be a dangerous quarterback. It’s safe to say as well that Taysom is still an unknown at quarterback because he played the same team twice, a team with no quarterback, and the Eagles game was a whole team problem not just Taysom. Who knows what could happen of Hill starts week one vs the Packers.
The main thing Sean is going to have to coach is the turnovers. We all know the fumble problems with Taysom and the interception problem with Winston. These are mechanics that can be coached and fixed. Winston was under a Bucs system with changing offensive coordinators and different systems almost yearly which is why the turnovers were a problem, under Sean Payton’s system that doesn’t happen. The quarterback as well don’t need to be excellent to win games as the roster is still talented. They can afford turnovers and can take more risks which lead to a more effective and lethal offense. With Jameis the Saints probably win more games due to more quarterback experience with Winston and likely make it further in the playoffs than if Taysom starts. That’s my personal and professional opinion.
Here’s the most important thing to note, Sean will make the right choice. He knows what he wants in his offense and who he will want as his quarterback and I can say with full confidence that it will be the right choice. He found Romo in Dallas, signed Drew Brees, and wanted to draft Mahomes. Let’s trust Sean’s gut and trust that his decision will be he beat one for the team.
Written By Kadin Janisch
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