Breaking down and evaluating the quarterback situation

The Saints will be without Jameis Winston for the remainder of the season after he suffered a torn acl and mcl damage from a horse collar tackle from Devin White in the second quarter of Sunday’s game vs Tampa Bay. That leaves the question of who will take over in his place? 

Sean Payton has three options as to who can fill in at quarterback – Taysom Hill, Trevor Siemian, and Ian Book. It appears that Sean Payton doesn’t plan to get any quarterback outside of the building for those who have asked, but Payton likes his quarterback room and the three options he has available. 

Of the three options though, who starts? Well based on recent history in the 2019 and 2020 season, Payton will inform the media Friday. Of the three though it’s safe to say that decision is narrowed down between Taysom and Trevor. Personally I do believe Taysom will start, and I’ll give my insight as to why. Sean overall though will choose the quarterback who gives them the best chance to win, and we should trust the decision that Sean makes despite what we may think.  

Photo by Evan Pinkus

This offseason the quarterback competition was between Taysom Hill and Jameis Winston. Not Jameis and Trevor, not Jameis and Book, but Jameis and Taysom. Taysom kept it competitive for a good part of training camp. Sean has had Taysom in his system longer than any other quarterback on the team which gives him a push towards being the starter for the remainder of the season. His ability to run the ball efficiently as well could play a role as neither of the other two guys can run the ball as effectively. 

Last season he went 3-1 as a starter and wasn’t as bad as people make him out to be. Obviously he needs to work on his throwing motion on the deep ball, but tha something that can definitely be fixed. The two Falcons games he looked solid, but obviously needed to work on some things (like his deep ball). The Broncos game doesn’t count, and the Eagles game the whole team collapsed, a good team had a bad game. 

He threw four touchdowns, 834 yards, two interceptions and had four rushing touchdowns as a starter last season.

Photo by Derick Hingle

The second option is Trevor Siemian, who stepped up Sunday vs Tampa Bay. He was thrown into the game and did what was asked of him. He didn’t turn the ball over and he got the Saints points. Now while he did look good vs Tampa Bay, you have to consider how a team would look defensively with a gameplan. Siemian looked good his first few drives, but after the first drive in the second quarter, the offense couldn’t do anything because the Bucs changed their game plan and defense at halftime.

But if you give Siemian preparation throughout the week and time to develop into a starting role I think you’re good enough to still win games as long as he doesn’t turn the ball over, plus you still have Taysom Hill at his gadget position which is needed now more than ever. 

As a starter Siemian is 13-11 and in his career has thrown 5,848 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 24 interceptions. 

Photo by Terrance Williams

The final guy is Ian Book, the rookie. He still needs development and probably becomes the team’s gameday backup or just becomes active on game days. While it could be fun to see what the rookie has, right now isn’t the time to see what he’s got. 

Written By Kadin Janisch

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