The New Orleans Saints have experienced a tumultuous 2024 season, oscillating between moments of dominance and periods of deep struggle. Early in the season, the Saints appeared poised for a playoff push. They opened with a commanding 47-point performance against the Panthers, followed by a stunning 44-19 blowout over the Cowboys in Dallas, where the Cowboys had gone undefeated in 2023. These wins showcased a seemingly unstoppable offense.
However, the Saints’ fortunes quickly shifted. A disastrous seven-game losing streak unraveled their early momentum and exposed significant issues within the team. Amid the chaos, head coach Dennis Allen was fired, a move the organization hoped would reignite the team’s potential. The decision proved effective as special teams coach Darren Rizzi was promoted to interim head coach, and the Saints began to show renewed energy. Under Rizzi, they secured victories over the Browns and Falcons before heading into their Week 13 bye. His leadership has resonated with the players, mending the disconnect that had developed under Allen.
Taysom Hill, the team’s versatile playmaker, expressed his appreciation for Rizzi’s communication and leadership. Hill, who had seemingly been sidelined in the offensive scheme earlier in the season, has re-emerged as a pivotal part of the Saints’ attack. “Rizz has done a really nice job of communicating with a lot of the guys in the locker room,” Hill remarked, highlighting the private meetings Rizzi has conducted to foster better team cohesion.
Bleacher Report has suggested that the Saints’ focus moving forward should include maximizing Hill’s versatility. In Week 11, Hill delivered a dominant performance against the Browns, showcasing his ability to impact games as a runner, receiver, and occasional quarterback. With critical matchups against the Rams, Giants, and Commanders ahead, utilizing Hill effectively could alleviate pressure on starting quarterback Derek Carr, whose performances have been inconsistent throughout the season.
Carr’s future with the team remains uncertain. If the Saints release him in 2025 with a post-June 1 designation, they could save $30 million in cap space. This financial reality, coupled with the development of rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler, suggests that the team may part ways with Carr after this season. For now, however, the Saints are likely to stick with him as long as their playoff hopes remain alive.
Regardless of the quarterback situation, Hill’s role in the Saints’ offense is crucial. When deployed strategically, his unique skill set poses significant challenges for opposing defenses. Moving forward, the Saints must ensure Hill remains a focal point in their game plan, as his contributions are vital to their success both this season and beyond.
