Taysom Hill Shows Out In First NFL Start
Nov 22, 2020, 9:53 PM
Taysom Hill #7 of the New Orleans Saints walks off the field in the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 22, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Former BYU quarterback Taysom Hill had a tremendous performance in his first NFL start as the New Orleans Saints’ signal caller.
Hill threw for 233 yards, while running the ball 10 times for 51 yards and two touchdowns in the Saints’ 24-9 win over the Atlanta Falcons.
Here is how all of the players with ties to the state of Utah fared during the 11th week of the season.
Former Utah Utes
Kylie Fitts – Linebacker – Arizona Cardinals (6-4)
The former Utah linebacker played 26 snaps during Arizona’s 28-21 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday, November 19.
Next Game: @ New England Patriots (4-6) on Sunday, November 29 at 11 a.m. MST on FOX
Leki Fotu – Defensive Tackle – Arizona Cardinals (6-4)
The former Utes defensive lineman is currently on Arizona’s Reserve/Injured List and did not play in the Cardinals’ 28-21 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football.
Next Game: @ New England Patriots (4-6) on Sunday, November 29 at 11 a.m. MST on FOX
Zack Moss – Running Back – Buffalo Bills (7-3)
The former Utah running back and the Buffalo Bills had a bye this week.
Next Game: vs. Los Angeles Chargers (3-7) on Sunday, November 29 at 11 a.m. MST on CBS
Jaylon Johnson – Cornerback – Chicago Bears (5-5)
The former Utes cornerback and the Chicago Bears had a bye this week.
Next Game: @ Green Bay Packers (7-3) on Sunday, November 29 at 6:20 p.m. MST on KSL TV
Bradlee Anae – Defensive End – Dallas Cowboys (3-7)
The former Utah defensive end and the Dallas Cowboys beat the Minnesota Vikings 31-28.
Next Game: vs. Washington Football Team (3-7) on Thursday, November 26 at 2:30 p.m. MST on FOX
Francis Bernard – Linebacker – Dallas Cowboys (3-7)
The former Utes linebacker and the Dallas Cowboys beat the Minnesota Vikings 31-28.
Next Game: vs. Washington Football Team (3-7) on Thursday, November 26 at 2:30 p.m. MST on FOX
Garrett Bolles – Offensive Tackle – Denver Broncos (4-6)
The former Utah offensive lineman and the Denver Broncos beat the Miami Dolphins 20-13.
Next Game: vs. New Orleans Saints (8-2) on Sunday, November 29 at 2:05 p.m. MST on FOX
Tim Patrick – Wide Receiver – Denver Broncos (4-6)
The former Utes receiver had a tremendous performance in the Broncos’ 20-13 win over the Miami Dolphins. He caught 5 passes for 119 yards.
Next Game: vs. New Orleans Saints (8-2) on Sunday, November 29 at 2:05 p.m. MST on FOX
John Penisini – Defensive Tackle – Detroit Lions (4-6)
The former Utes defensive lineman had four total tackles, three solo tackles, and one sack in the Lions’ 20-0 loss to the Carolina Panthers.
Next Game: vs. Houston Texans (3-7) on Thursday, November 26 at 10:30 a.m. MST on CBS
Julian Blackmon – Safety – Indianapolis Colts (7-3)
The former Utah defensive back recorded 5 tackles and forced a fumble that set up the game-winning field goal to give the Colts a 34-31 overtime win over the Green Bay Packers.
Next Game: vs. Tennessee Titans (7-3) on Sunday, November 29 at 11 a.m. MST on CBS
Devontae Booker – Running Back – Las Vegas Raiders (6-4)
The former Utah running back had 5 carries for 16 yards and one catch for 3 yards in the Raiders’ 35-31 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football.
Next Game: @ Atlanta Falcons (3-7) on Sunday, November 29 at 11 a.m. MST on CBS
Sam Tevi – Offensive Tackle – Los Angeles Chargers (3-7)
The former Utah offensive lineman and the Los Angeles Chargers knocked off the New York Jets 34-28.
Next Game: @ Buffalo Bills (7-3) on Sunday, November 29 at 11 a.m. MST on CBS
Terrell Burgess – Safety – Los Angeles Rams (6-3)
The former Utes defensive back is out for the season after suffering a broken ankle on Monday Night Football during Week 7 of the season. The Rams will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football.
Next Game: vs. San Francisco 49ers (4-6) on Sunday, November 29 at 2:05 p.m. MST on FOX
Eric Rowe – Safety – Miami Dolphins (6-4)
The former Utes defensive back led the team with 10 tackles, including 7 solo tackles and a fumble recovery in the Dolphins’ 20-13 loss to the Denver Broncos.
Next Game: @ New York Jets (0-10) on Sunday, November 29 at 11 a.m. MST on CBS
Chase Hansen – Safety – New Orleans Saints (8-2)
The former Utes defensive back is currently on New Orleans’ Reserved/Injured List and did not play in the Saints’ 24-9 win over the Atlanta Falcons.
Next Game: @ Denver Broncos (4-6) on Sunday, November 29 at 2:05 p.m. MST on FOX
Marcus Williams – Safety – New Orleans Saints (8-2)
The former Utes defensive back had three total tackles, two solo tackles, one pass breakup, and an interception in the Saints’ 24-9 win over the Atlanta Falcons.
Next Game: @ Denver Broncos (4-6) on Sunday, November 29 at 2:05 p.m. MST on FOX
Jackson Barton – Offensive Tackle – New York Giants (3-7)
The former Utah offensive lineman and the New York Giants had a bye this week.
Next Game: @ Cincinnati Bengals (2-7-1) on Sunday, November 29 at 11 a.m. MST on FOX
Javelin Guidry – Safety – New York Jets (0-10)
The former Utes defensive back and the New York Jets suffered a 34-28 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Next Game: vs. Miami Dolphins (6-4) on Sunday, November 29 at 11 a.m. MST on CBS
Mitch Wishnowsky – Punter – San Francisco 49ers (4-6)
The former Utah punter and the San Francisco 49ers had a bye this week.
Next Game: @ Los Angeles Rams (6-3) on Sunday, November 29 at 2:05 p.m. MST on FOX
Cody Barton – Linebacker – Seattle Seahawks (7-3)
The former Utes linebacker had one tackle in Seattle’s 28-21 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday, November 19.
Next Game: @ Philadelphia Eagles (3-6-1) on Monday, November 30 at 6:15 p.m. MST on ESPN
Marquise Blair – Safety – Seattle Seahawks (7-3)
After week two, the former Utah safety was ruled out for the season with a knee injury by Seattle head coach Pete Carroll. The Seahawks beat the Arizona Cardinals, 28-21 on Thursday Night Football.
Next Game: @ Philadelphia Eagles (3-6-1) on Monday, November 30 at 6:15 p.m. MST on ESPN
Alex Smith – Quarterback – Washington Football Team (3-7)
The former Utah quarterback won his first football game in two seasons as Washington defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 20-9. Smith was was 17/25 passing for 166 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the game.
Next Game: @ Dallas Cowboys (3-7) on Thursday, November 26 at 2:30 p.m. MST on FOX
Alex Smith was all smiles on Sunday. 😊#LocalsInTheNFL #YACPodcast #NFL #WashingtonFootball #GoUtes https://t.co/Bf5osuf43E
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 22, 2020
Jared Norris – Linebacker – Washington Football Team (3-7)
The former Utes linebacker and Washington defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 20-9.
Next Game: @ Dallas Cowboys (3-7) on Thursday, November 26 at 2:30 p.m. MST on FOX
Former BYU Cougars
Sione Takitaki – Linebacker – Cleveland Browns (7-3)
The former BYU linebacker had two tackles, one tackle for loss, one pass breakup, an interception, and a touchdown in Cleveland’s 22-17 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Next Game: @ Jacksonville Jaguars (1-9) on Sunday, November 29 at 11 a.m. MST on CBS
.@STakitaki takes it 5️⃣0️⃣ yards for his first #NFL touchdown. #LocalsInTheNFL #YACPodcast #BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL https://t.co/PcKYkYrsUx
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 22, 2020
Jamaal Williams – Running Back – Green Bay Packers (7-3)
The former BYU running back had 5 carries for 12 yards and caught one pass for a four-yard touchdown in the Packers’ 34-31 overtime loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
Next Game: vs. Chicago Bears (5-5) on Sunday, November 29 at 6:20 p.m. MST on KSL TV
Daniel Sorensen – Safety – Kansas City Chiefs (9-1)
The former BYU defensive back had 4 tackles and an interception to seal the Chiefs’ 35-31 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday Night Football.
Next Game: @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-3) on Sunday, November 29 at 2:25 p.m. MST on CBS
Michael Davis – Cornerback – Los Angeles Chargers (3-7)
The former BYU defensive back had two tackles and a pass deflection in the Chargers’ 34-28 win over the New York Jets.
Next Game: @ Buffalo Bills (7-3) on Sunday, November 29 at 11 a.m. MST on CBS
Kyle Van Noy – Linebacker – Miami Dolphins (6-4)
The former BYU linebacker racked up 4 tackles, 2 solo tackles and 2 quarterback hits in the Dolphins’ 20-13 loss to the Denver Broncos.
Next Game: @ New York Jets (0-10) on Sunday, November 29 at 11 a.m. MST on CBS
Taysom Hill – Quarterback – New Orleans Saints (8-2)
The former BYU quarterback led the Saints to a 24-9 win over the Atlanta Falcons in his first NFL start. Hill was 18/23 passing for 233 yards and had a passer rating of 108.9. He also led the Saints’ rushing attack with 10 carries for 51 yards and two touchdowns.
Next Game: @ Denver Broncos (4-6) on Sunday, November 29 at 2:05 p.m. MST on FOX
.@T_Hill4 and the @Saints improved to 8-2 on the season. 💪 #LocalsInTheNFL #YACPodcast #Saints #BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL https://t.co/oSFI5hcgdl
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 22, 2020
Harvey Langi – Linebacker – New York Jets (0-10)
The former BYU linebacker racked up 11 tackles, including 8 solo tackles in the Jets’ 34-28 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Next Game: vs. Miami Dolphins (6-4) on Sunday, November 29 at 11 a.m. MST on CBS
Ezekiel Ansah – Defensive End – San Francisco 49ers (4-6)
On October 5, the former BYU defensive end was ruled out for the rest of the season with a torn bicep. The 49ers had a bye this week.
Next Game: @ Los Angeles Rams (6-3) on Sunday, November 29 at 2:05 p.m. MST on FOX
Fred Warner – Linebacker – San Francisco 49ers (4-6)
The former BYU linebacker and the San Francisco 49ers had a bye this week.
Next Game: @ Los Angeles Rams (6-3) on Sunday, November 29 at 2:05 p.m. MST on FOX
Former Utah State Aggies
Tyler Larsen – Center – Carolina Panthers (4-7)
The former USU offensive lineman and the Panthers beat the Detroit Lions 20-0.
Next Game: @ Minnesota Vikings (4-6) on Sunday, November 29 at 11 a.m. MST on FOX
Patrick Scales – Long Snapper – Chicago Bears (5-5)
The former Aggie long snapper and the Chicago Bears had a bye this week.
Next Game: @ Green Bay Packers (7-3) on Sunday, November 29 at 6:20 p.m. MST on KSL TV
Jordan Love – Quarterback – Green Bay Packers (7-3)
The former Utah State quarterback was inactive in the Packers’ 34-31 overtime loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
Next Game: vs. Chicago Bears (5-5) on Sunday, November 29 at 6:20 p.m. MST on KSL TV
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Darwin Thompson – Running Back – Kansas City Chiefs (9-1)
The former Aggie running back and the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Las Vegas Raiders 35-31 on Sunday Night Football.
Next Game: @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-3) on Sunday, November 29 at 2:25 p.m. MST on CBS
JoJo Natson – Wide Receiver – Cleveland Browns (7-3)
After week three, the former Utah State receiver was ruled out for the season with injury. The Browns beat the Philadelphia Eagles 22-17.
Next Game: @ Jacksonville Jaguars (1-9) on Sunday, November 29 at 11 a.m. MST on CBS
Dallin Leavitt – Cornerback – Las Vegas Raiders (6-4)
The former Utah State defensive back and the Las Vegas Raiders suffered a 35-31 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football.
Next Game: @ Atlanta Falcons (3-7) on Sunday, November 29 at 11 a.m. MST on CBS
Nevin Lawson – Cornerback – Las Vegas Raiders (6-4)
The former Utah State defensive back racked up 7 tackles in the Raiders’ 35-31 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football.
Next Game: @ Atlanta Falcons (3-7) on Sunday, November 29 at 11 a.m. MST on CBS
Nick Vigil – Linebacker – Los Angeles Chargers (3-7)
The former Utah State linebacker recorded one tackle in the Chargers’ 34-28 win over the New York Jets.
Next Game: @ Buffalo Bills (7-3) on Sunday, November 29 at 11 a.m. MST on CBS
Kyler Fackrell – Linebacker – New York Giants (3-7)
The former USU linebacker and the New York Giants had a bye this week.
Next Game: @ Cincinnati Bengals (2-7-1) on Sunday, November 29 at 11 a.m. MST on FOX
Bobby Wagner – Linebacker – Seattle Seahawks (7-3)
The former Utah State linebacker had nine total tackles, six solo tackles, a tackle for loss, and a quarterback hit in Seattle’s 28-21 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday, November 19.
Next Game: @ Philadelphia Eagles (3-6-1) on Monday, November 30 at 6:15 p.m. MST on ESPN
Former Weber State Wildcats
Taron Johnson – Cornerback – Buffalo Bills (7-3)
The former Weber State defensive back and the Buffalo Bills had a bye this week.
Next Game: vs. Los Angeles Chargers (3-7) on Sunday, November 29 at 11 a.m. MST on CBS
Former Southern Utah Thunderbirds
LeShaun Sims – Cornerback – Cincinnati Bengals (2-7-1)
The former SUU defensive back had six total tackles and one solo tackle in the Bengal’s 20-9 loss to the Washington Football Team.
Next Game: vs. New York Giants (3-7) on Sunday, November 29 at 11 a.m. MST on FOX
Miles Killebrew – Safety – Detroit Lions (4-6)
The former Thunderbirds star had one tackle in the Lions’ 20-0 loss to the Carolina Panthers.
Next Game: vs. Houston Texans (3-7) on Thursday, November 26 at 10:30 a.m. MST on CBS
Former High School Players
Xavier Su’a-Filo (Timpview/UCLA) – Offensive Guard – Cincinnati Bengals (2-7-1)
The former Timpview star is currently on the Bengals’ Injured/Reserve List. The Bengals suffered a 20-9 loss to the Washington Football Team.
Next Game: vs. New York Giants (3-7) on Sunday, November 29 at 11 a.m. MST on FOX
Porter Gustin (Salem Hills/USC) – Defensive End – Cleveland Browns (7-3)
The former Salem Hills star had three total tackles, one solo tackle, and one quarterback hit in Cleveland’s 22-17 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Next Game: @ Jacksonville Jaguars (1-9) on Sunday, November 29 at 11 a.m. MST on CBS
Dalton Schultz (Bingham/Stanford) – Tight End – Dallas Cowboys (3-7)
The former Bingham star had 4 receptions for 25 yards and caught the game-winning touchdown in the Cowboys’ 31-28 win over the Minnesota Vikings.
Next Game: vs. Washington Football Team (3-7) on Thursday, November 26 at 2:30 p.m. MST on FOX
Noah Togiai (Hunter/Oregon State) – Tight End – Indianapolis Colts (7-3)
The former Hunter star and the Indianapolis Colts knocked off the Green Bay Packers 34-31 in overtime.
Next Game: vs. Tennessee Titans (7-3) on Sunday, November 29 at 11 a.m. MST on CBS
Alohi Gilman (Orem/Notre Dame) – Safety – Los Angeles Chargers (3-7)
The former Orem star and the Los Angeles Chargers beat the New York Jets 34-28.
Next Game: @ Buffalo Bills (7-3) on Sunday, November 29 at 11 a.m. MST on CBS
Andre James (Herriman/UCLA) – Offensive Tackle – Las Vegas Raiders (6-4)
The former Herriman star and the Las Vegas Raiders suffered a 35-31 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football.
Next Game: @ Atlanta Falcons (3-7) on Sunday, November 29 at 11 a.m. MST on CBS
Kaden Elliss (Judge Memorial/Idaho) – Linebacker – New Orleans Saints (8-2)
The former Judge Memorial star and the Saints beat the Atlanta Falcons 24-9.
Next Game: @ Denver Broncos (4-6) on Sunday, November 29 at 2:05 p.m. MST on FOX
Bryan Mone (Highland/Michigan) – Defensive Tackle – Seattle Seahawks (7-3)
The former Highland star is currently on Seattle’s Reserve/Injured List and did not play in the Seahawks’ 28-21 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday Night Football.
Next Game: @ Philadelphia Eagles (3-6-1) on Monday, November 30 at 6:15 p.m. MST on ESPN
Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for KSLSports.com and host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).
