Cameron Jordan, a defensive end joins Get Up for his thoughts on the Saints' quarterback situation and Michael Thomas' future. (1:54).
NEW ORLEANS -- Who would have thought that we'd see a playoff game on Monday Night Football in August?
Unofficially, the New Orleans Saints' quarterback competition remains too close to call as they prepare for their second preseason match against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Be sure to not make a social media post about how it proves Jameis Winston or Taysom Hill aren’t good enough, and that Drew Brees is lost. It simply means that the team wants to give each man a fair and complete evaluation.
After Hill's last week preseason opener, Winston will be the first to start on Monday.
We are evaluating it all and have another chance to play Monday night," said Sean Payton, Saints coach. He said that there is still much the team can learn. All the things that are necessary to win in this position include decisions, moving the team and protecting the football.
Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill have not delivered knockout blows in the QB race. This raises the stakes for the preseason games. Max Becherer/The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate via AP
Winston would be ahead if we scored this like a boxing match. He has been able to reach higher heights during camp, including his two touchdown drives at Baltimore last week and the handful of deep passes he has hit in practice. His 80-yard touchdown to Chris Hogan in Friday's Superdome practice was perhaps his most impressive -- he hit the receiver with a stride that extended more than 50 yards.
However, neither QB has made a great play -- this raises the stakes in the preseason.
Hill, who turns 31 on Monday, had one of his best practices Friday. He showed some great decisions on his second and third reads, including two TD runs during a red-zone drill. Hills' running ability is the great equalizer. He admittedly hasnt shown much practice of it since he stated he would prefer to use them to improve his progressions.
Hill stated that he feels very comfortable. Hill said that I feel capable of all the things required to play quarterback in this league. There's also this other element I can do on Sundays that isn't possible in practice.
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Hill was asked if it is possible to resist the temptation to deliver that knockout punch during preseason play.
We know our concepts and we know the playcall internally. Hill stated that he knows if it was the right decision and that the ball went where it needed. There are many factors that go into this position that you may not be aware of.
Both quarterbacks have also had their fair share of poor practices. Both quarterbacks threw interceptions in the preseason opener. However, in each instance, the receiver was to blame.
However, Winston and Hill have both shown improvement in areas most in need of it. Hill is more stable when the pocket collapses. Winston avoided turning the ball and was willing to make a safer throw.
Both quarterbacks agree that the high volume of reps they receive compared to last year has been invaluable.
It's true. I feel a rhythm in this offense. Winston, 27 years old, said that rhythm is the most important thing. With offensive execution, rhythm is what's most important.
Pete Carmichael Jr., offensive coordinator, said that this week is important for both QBs. They have done good things but also need to clean up.
Carmichael pointed out one area of potential growth that is often overlooked. He stated that they have done a fantastic job communicating in the huddle and getting the playcall out.
The Saints believe that no matter who wins, the offense can succeed.
Saints center Erik McCoy stated that both came in and took complete control of the huddle. They take control, ensure the receivers are on the same page, and make sure that the huddles are on the same page, no matter who I am with.
Both men are very skilled and can make anything happen with their legs. They will be protected by the four men who are right beside me.
McCoy is not the only one who uses rah-rah rhetoric. The Saints lack of pass-catchers with experience is another reason why the winner of the job will be able to take advantage of one of the NFL's most powerful offensive lines.
Alvin Kamara, running back, asked Kamara if Winston's five-year experience as a Tampa Bay Buccaneers starter was evident. Kamara replied enthusiastically, "Ive been saying that."
Kamara stated that Winston was not an accident player and led the NFL in passing yards with 5,109 in 2019. He also became the first player to pass at least 30 TD passes in the NFL. Jameis is too highly-ranked to be like "Oh, I just threw 5,000 yards."
Drew was the one who came in without having any reps, so it was difficult to improve his skills. He has been able show his talent and show his potential by putting on this camp. His talent isn't lost, it just happened.
Kamara also stated that Taysom's record is impressive after he was called in to fill in for injured Brees last season and went 3-1 as an opener.
He has come in and played for us, and won games. Kamara stated that Hill showed that he could function and execute in this offense. Hill completed 72.7%, throwing for 928 yards and four touchdowns, and also had two interceptions.
Kamara stated that he gets in there and executes his task. He has a certain amount of poise, Kamara said. He has confidence in his abilities.
