‘Unicorn’ Taysom Hill Is Saints’ Versatile Weapon For Playoff Run
Jan 3, 2020, 3:49 PM
Taysom Hill #7 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter during their game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – New Orleans quarterback Taysom Hill is living up to the nickname that Saints quarterback Drew Brees gave him, unicorn. Hill’s versatility has been utilized throughout the regular season and makes him a weapon for New Orleans’ playoff run.
Prior to the Saints’ regular season finale against the Carolina Panthers, Brees bestowed the nickname on Hill saying “he’s a unicorn.”
Hill caught a 45-yard touchdown pass from Brees in the Saints’ 42-10 win over the Panthers.
Drew Brees on Taysom Hill: “He’s a unicorn”
— Luke Johnson (@ByLukeJohnson) December 26, 2019
The former BYU quarterback has been one of the most utilized backups in the NFL for the Saints. New Orleans head coach Sean Payton has taken advantage of Hill’s skillset and found ways to get him onto the field rather than sit on the bench as a traditional third-string quarterback might.
Hill’s played multiple positions for the Saints this season including tight end, slot receiver, wide receiver, running back, and quarterback.
He’s the only player in the league to play 30 or more snaps at four of the positions in 2019.
Taysom Hill is the only NFL player to play 30+ snaps at tight end, slot receiver, wide receiver and quarterback this season.
Tight End – 75
Slot Receiver – 66
Wide Receiver – 37
Quarterback – 36
Running Back – 19@T_Hill4 | #Saints pic.twitter.com/e6Opto3Qfq— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) January 3, 2020
Through 16 games this season, Hill’s run the ball 27 times for 156 yards and a touchdown. He’s caught 19 balls for 234 yards and 6 touchdowns.
The third-string QB has thrown 6 passes in 2019 with a 50 percent completion rate for 55 yards.
Hill and the NFC No. 3 seed Saints begin their playoff slate with a rematch from the 2018 playoffs. New Orleans is scheduled to host the NFC No. 6 seed Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, January 5.
Taysom Hill is gonna mess around and be the Super Bowl MVP, isn’t he?
— Patrick Schmidt (@PatrickASchmidt) December 29, 2019
The Vikings vs. Saints game kicks off at 11:05 a.m. (MDT). The game will be broadcast on FOX.
