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Could Sean Payton Deploy A True Two-Quarterback System in 2021?

NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 22: New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill (7) shakes hands with quarterback Drew Brees (9) against Tennessee Titans on December 22, 2019 at the Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. (Photo by Stephen Lew/Icon Sportswire)

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton is probably the most distinguished offensive mind of this generation. Payton has been the play-caller from the Drew Brees led offense ever since the quarterback joined the team in 2006.

The Brees and Payton connection has led to a whole bunch of success, including a Super Bowl win in 2009. After this past season, it looked like Sean Payton would have a chance to work with a new starting quarterback. The 42-year-old Brees hadn’t said he was retiring, but his actions after the team’s playoff loss to the Buccaneers sure made it seem like he was walking away.

However, Drew Brees may have had a change of heart. He still hasn’t made any announcement on his future, and his most recent workout has many believing he might actually come back next season.

If Drew Brees does come back next season, where does that leave Sean Payton? Brees has clearly showed signs of slowing down at his old age. He struggles mightily with the deep ball, and is basically relegated to the pocket on every play. With that being said, he has given so much to the Saints franchise, and if he wants to come back, you have to let him. So what do you do?

Here’s an idea.

Sean Payton tells Drew Brees that he can come back and play quarterback, but only about half the time. The other half, we’re going to play Taysom Hill. This will allow Brees to keep his body in shape throughout the season, and will also keep defenses on their toes.

Most thought that when Drew Brees was planning to retire that the team would re-sign Jameis Winston to take over under center. If Brees comes back, I highly doubt the Saints would have enough wiggle room with their salary cap to bring Jameis back, as well. I think that’s OK.

I believe Sean Payton can win with Drew Brees and Taysom Hill. Payton has used a Taysom Hill “package” in the past, but my idea would be different than that. Give Hill half of the starts throughout the season. Make opponents have to prepare for both Drew Brees and Taysom Hill every single week, and don’t announce the starter until game day. Taysom Hill is the speedster quarterback who can execute a triple-option. Brees is the pocket passer. There is no shot this plan would work with any other team, but Sean Payton might just have the personnel to do so.

The Team is already acquainted with the different play book, and wouldn’t necessarily need to learn a whole bunch of new plays. Sean Payton already has a two separate systems in place, one for Drew Brees, and one for Taysom Hill.

Call me crazy, but I think this plan could actually work in the NFL. If anybody could win this way, it would be Sean Payton.


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