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The New Orleans Saints are looking for their next quarterback with Drew Brees retiring at the end of the 2020-21 season. Head coach Sean Payton has maintained the position battle is open between Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill, although the latter appears to be ahead entering this season. Here’s how the two passers stacked up after the first preseason game.
Week 1 preseason reps, stats
Jameis Winston: 7/12, 96 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Taysom Hill: 8/12, 81 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT
Who has the edge in the QB battle entering Week 2 of the 2021 NFL preseason?
It’s hard to say either player separated himself in this outing, but Winston did have the touchdown pass. He also, predictably, threw an interception. The most surprising aspect of this action was the lack of designed run plays for Hill. Perhaps Payton is trying to minimize hits on the player he’s already anointed as the starter internally.
The Saints have a dilemma in that Winston is the superior passer, but has a bad habit of forcing throws. Hill is the most dynamic player, but has not proven he can stand in the pocket and deliver accurate throws in tight windows. There’s no clear winner in this battle after Week 1 of the preseason.