Sean Payton goes to extreme measures to give no clues about Drew Brees replacement

So, anyone know what Sean Payton is doing?

Ideally, the New Orleans Saints would love to remain in the running for the top seed in the NFC. Unfortunately, the only way that will happen is if the team can manage games without Drew Brees.

The 41-year-old quarterback suffered a collapsed lung and a total of five fractured ribs on both sides of his body after taking a hit against the San Francisco 49ers. Although the doctors do not have a timetable on Brees’ return, it’s likely several weeks before he sees action once again.

Saints coach Sean Payton will need to run out a starter against the Atlanta Falcons in a must-win NFC South showdown. For anyone though who is wondering which way the former Coach of the Year is leaning, keep thinking.

Not even those closest to the team have a pinpoint decision on whether Jameis Winston or Taysom Hill will be getting the call Sunday afternoon.

Does one quarterback have an advantage?

Payton stated Monday that both Winston and Hill will be options to play against the Falcons based on their overall week in practice. The two gunslingers each have skills that could lead to the team’s success, but also a fatal flaw that could see some struggles.

Winston started a majority of the second half against San Francisco, going 6-of-10 for 63 yards in relief. Much like Teddy Bridgewater, the 26-year-old is looking for an opportunity to return full-time to a starting role come 2021. One thing that could decide his role moving forward is his turnover ratio from a season ago. Despite leading the NFL in passing yards, Winston also threw a league-high 30 interceptions.

Hill, who’s best been used as a change-of-pace role, could be viewed internally as the heir apparent to Brees following this season. After letting Bridgewater walk in free agency, the team offered the 30-year-old a two-year extension with $21 million this offseason. The only problem there is all-time, Hill has gone 10-of-18 passing for 205 yards and an interception.

Two vastly different players will be fighting for snaps Sunday but for now, sit back and relax. It doesn’t look like Payton will be giving his answer until kickoff at the Superdome.