Darren Rizzi's QB Conundrum: Who Will Lead The Saints Against The Packers?

The Saints' Quarterback Situation

The New Orleans Saints are facing a difficult decision at quarterback as they prepare to face the Green Bay Packers in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Drew Brees, the Saints' longtime starting quarterback, is out for the season with a thumb injury. Teddy Bridgewater, who has started in Brees' place, is also injured and is questionable for Sunday's game. That leaves the Saints with two inexperienced options: Taysom Hill and Jameis Winston.

Taysom Hill

Hill is a Swiss Army knife who can play quarterback, running back, and wide receiver. He has been a valuable asset to the Saints this season, but he has limited experience as a starting quarterback. In the three games he has started this season, Hill has completed 63.6% of his passes for 745 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions. He has also rushed for 279 yards and three touchdowns.

Hill is a dangerous runner, but his passing ability is still a question mark. He has a strong arm, but he can be inaccurate at times. He also has a tendency to hold onto the ball too long, which can lead to sacks and turnovers.

Jameis Winston

Winston was the first overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, but he has struggled to live up to expectations. He has a big arm and a lot of talent, but he is also prone to turnovers. In his five seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Winston threw for over 4,000 yards three times, but he also threw for over 30 interceptions twice.

Winston was signed by the Saints in the offseason to be Brees' backup. He has played in four games this season, completing 59.3% of his passes for 470 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions.

Winston has shown some flashes of his potential this season, but he has also made some costly mistakes. He is a boom-or-bust quarterback who can make big plays, but he is also capable of throwing interceptions and fumbling the ball.

The Decision

Saints coach Sean Payton has a difficult decision to make at quarterback. Hill is the more versatile player, but Winston has more experience as a starter. Both players have their strengths and weaknesses, and Payton will need to weigh those factors carefully when making his decision.

If Payton wants to play it safe, he will start Hill. Hill is a more reliable passer than Winston, and he is also a dangerous runner. However, if Payton wants to take a chance on a big play, he will start Winston. Winston has a stronger arm than Hill, and he is capable of making throws that Hill cannot.

Ultimately, the decision of who to start at quarterback will come down to Payton's gut feeling. He knows his players better than anyone, and he will make the decision that he believes gives the Saints the best chance to win.

Conclusion

The Saints are facing a difficult decision at quarterback, but they have two good options to choose from. Hill is the more versatile player, but Winston has more experience as a starter. Both players have their strengths and weaknesses, and Payton will need to weigh those factors carefully when making his decision. No matter who starts at quarterback, the Saints will need to play well to beat the Packers.