2020 is one huge pain in the ass that has made everyone’s life a lot harder. Saints head coach Sean Payton's job was made more difficult thanks to COVID. Not only is he getting team ready to play football during a pandemic, he’s also having evaluate who are the right 53 players for his roster without having the benefit of OTAs, minicamp or preseason games.
Things have been going along as good as they can be though, so you knew we were in store for a “but wait, there’s more” moment. Sure enough, the weather Gods want to get in on the mayhem sending not one, but two storms towards the Gulf for the first time in recorded history. Thanks 2020! How could this effect Payton and the Saints preparations?
“It seems to come up every couple of years during training camp. Mickey (Loomis) and I will visit. We’ll begin to look at some logistics and pay attention to it closely,” said Payton.
This is nothing new for Payton who has been in New Orleans since 2006.
“It’s happened to us before. Ironically, the last time I can think during training camp we were scheduled to open at home versus Tampa,” Payton recalled. “We did play a home game versus Tampa, but we had to leave a week prior to the start of that regular season and train in Indianapolis for the better part of about 7-8 days and then fly back on that weekend to open the season. It’s certainly unique. Hopefully, those things can dissipate and have a minimal effect to everyone.”
There is some positive news for the Saints in this awful year though. Taysom Hill missing practice is certainly not it, but the reason behind it likely is. Coach Payton would not confirm or deny the fact that the Swiss Army knife is a proud new parent as he and his wife were expecting.
“I’m going to wait for him to announce it, but I know that they’re doing well. I know they’re in good hands and I’m not going to be the one that spoils that.”
No spoilers from Coach, but congrats to the Hill family when the baby does get here.
Came home from training camp today and completed the first rite of passage as a dad! The crib is ready to go, and the countdown is on. Can’t wait to meet our little guy and see @emnixx be a mom! #2weekstogo pic.twitter.com/1EmoB99jQP
— Taysom Hill (@T_Hill4) August 11, 2020
