It’s been a big year for the New Orleans Saints quarterbacks. Backup Teddy Bridgewater impressed in a five-game stint in relief of Drew Brees, the injured starter, but something has to be said for do-it-all reserve Taysom Hill. Brees returned to the starting lineup on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, and he connected with Hill on several passes, including a crucial touchdown catch early in the fourth quarter. It was the third score of the year for Hill as a receiver.
It was also Hill’s second catch of the day; he previously picked up 22 yards on a crossing route, cutting upfield quickly after the catch and barreling through a Cardinals defender before going out of bounds. Brees later looked his way again for the five-yard score, and caught Hill wide-open for another 36-yard gain.
One or two touchdown catches for a quarterback/tight end/receiver hybrid would be gimmicky. But three suggests there’s a pattern developing here. Saints coach Sean Payton has said Hill’s future lies at quarterback, but his utility as a pass-catcher, blocker, runner, and all-around athlete might be invaluable. With Brees and Bridgewater both headed for unrestricted free agency next year, and Hill slated to become a restricted free agent, it’s a very curious situation.
