Saints utility man Taysom Hill single-handedly got his team off to a fast start in its Thanksgiving Day matchup with the rival Falcons. Hill started the drive that would eventually lead to the game’s first points with a bang, extended it a few plays later and then capped it off with a touchdown to give the Saints an early 7-0 lead.
New Orleans’ first drive started in Falcons territory thanks to the do-it-all Hill, who knifed through Atlanta’s blockers and blocked Ryan Allen’s punt. It’s not often that you see a quarterback block a punt — or even play special teams — but we know Hill isn’t like most quarterbacks.
Two plays later, with the Saints facing a second-and-5, Sean Payton dialed up a quick pass for Hill and he did the rest, bulldozing his way to a first down to keep the drive going.
After an Amara Kamara run got New Orleans within striking distance, Payton called Hill’s number once again and he did not let his coach down. He once again had to barrel through a Falcons tackler to get into the end zone.
No need to worry, Drew Brees fantasy owners. While that played out like a run, it’s a forward tap pass, so Brees also got credit for the touchdown.
Everyone wins! Well, not Atlanta.
The Falcons are sitting at 3-8 and now allowing a third-string quarterback beat them basically all by himself. This season can’t end soon enough for Dan Quinn’s team.
That was Hill’s third touchdown of the season and the fifth of his career. He’s still never thrown a touchdown in the NFL, however. Maybe Payton will give him a chance tonight. It is the Falcons defense, after all.
