With the ability to line up as a quarterback, running back, tight end, wide receiver, and even on special teams, Taysom Hill is a unique player.
He thrived in that gadget role in 2019. Hill rushed for 156 yards (5.8 yards per carry) for 1 touchdown and 10 first downs. Hill caught 19 passes for 234 yards (12.3 yards per catch) and 6 touchdowns. Hill completed 3 of his 6 passes for 55 yards. And Hill added 3 tackles for good measure.
His numbers in 2020 are down, however. Hill has just 3 receptions for 23 yards (down to 7.7 yards per catch) and does not have a receiving touchdown. He has thrown 2 passes, completing 1 for 38 yards. Hill is getting about one extra rushing attempt per game, but his yards per carry has dropped to 3.8. And his 9 yard touchdown run against the Los Angeles Chargers was his first score of the year.
“I was never so happy for a dude to score a touchdown,” WWL NFL analyst Detillier said. “When he sat on the bench, he was so relieved because he has struggled for two games with holding on to the football. He's being put in some tough spots now because now defense know exactly what's going on.
“They did let him throw the football, and that wasn't the best pass,” Detillier went on. “In practices, you see that's how he is. He's hit and miss throwing the football.”
Another aspect Detillier focused on was that every snap at quarterback for Hill means one fewer for Drew Brees.
“I get what Sean's trying to do; but in that part of the game, I'm not taking #9 out of the game.” Detillier said. “If you're going to put Taysom in and use him as a running back, receiver, tight end, that's all great and fine; but that stuff now, other teams have caught on to it. They are defending you with it really well.”
Detillier argues that the novelty has worn off and opponents now have plenty of film to use to prepare for Hill.
“Other teams get it,” Detillier explained. “They know exactly where you're going with the football, and it's not going well. You're going to have to go back to the drawing board with Taysom because you're not having a lot of success with those plays.”
In the offseason, Hill signed a 2 year, $21 million contract extension with $16 million guaranteed; and Sean Payton has repeatedly spoken highly of Hill. But when asked if Hill is the quarterback of the future for New Orleans, Detillier responded unequivocally.
“No, no,” Detillier quickly answered. “I honestly don't. I think he's a really good football player, but the quarterback of the future is not on this roster today.”
