There is something to be said about a legend of the game speaking up about the organization he once spent the majority of his career with. Former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is certainly one of those players the organization respects enough to warrant listening to an opinion.
In a recent interview on WWL Radio based in New Orleans, Brees talked about his former teammate and current Saints quarterback Taysom Hill, referring to the diversely-talented player as someone who needs to be taking more snaps under center.
“I don’t know why we haven’t lived in a world where Taysom Hill is getting 10-12 snaps a game at quarterback,” Brees said.
The future Hall of Famer went on to talk about charting each play where Hill has lined up at quarterback and comparing them to plays where he is not under center, noting a difference in overall productivity.
Brees said he’d argue that some of the Saints’ best plays come when Hill is at quarterback.
Drew Brees isn’t calling for Taysom Hill to supplant Derek Carr as the starting quarterback
Now, Brees did go on to say that he wasn’t insinuating Hill should replace current starter Derek Carr. He was careful not to light that match. Although, his comments do raise questions.
The Saints finished a mediocre 14th in yards per game last season, but somehow finished inside the top 10 in scoring. Without first seeing the raw numbers, Saints fans may fight those facts, because it sure hasn’t felt like this team is scoring a lot of points.
Fans have been tired of a ho-hum offense ever since Brees left the building. While Carr is a capable quarterback, many have believed the scheme should be blamed more than anything else. Carr hasn’t had a ton of playmakers around him other than Chris Olave and an aging Alvin Kamara, which hasn’t helped.
Brees seems to have a point. On an offense with a lack of playmaking threats, why not give a talented player more reps? Hill is a rare breed, and while he isn’t your every-down starting quarterback, he presents defenses with multiple threats from a skill standpoint. Getting him on the field on a regular basis isn’t a bad suggestion.
A new starting quarterback? That’s not what he said.
More playing time for a good player? Absolutely.