New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill has built a reputation as a do-it-all utility player, often talked up for his impressive athleticism and speed in the open field. But an area of his game that’s too often overlooked is his physicality, which is rare to see out of a quarterback. One person who won’t be forgetting it is Dallas Cowboys safety Xavier Woods.
At one point in their game on Sunday Night Football, the Saints dialed up a read-option with Hill in the shotgun and running back Alvin Kamara lined up at his side. Hill took the snap, surveyed the field — and correctly identified Cowboys defensive end Robert Quinn crashing down on Kamara, unfocused on Hill himself — and took off at a sprint into open space, leaving the Cowboys defense scrambling to recover.
Woods found himself in Hill’s way, with the 6-foot-2, 230-pound quarterback advancing faster than he’d expected. The safety tried to set his feet and meet Hill head-on, but Hill’s momentum (and judicious use of the truck stick) sent Woods sprawling after he lowered his shoulder. See it for yourself:
Hill gained 18 yards on the play, but the Saints were careful not to expose him too often throughout the game. He only played six snaps on offense (with Drew Brees sidelined by injury, Hill is the only other quarterback on the active roster behind Teddy Bridgewater) and didn’t log another rushing attempt until late in the second half, which the Cowboys were able to stop for a loss of two yards. But plays like this prove that Hill and the Saints have found a formula that can make a difference when everything breaks their way.
