Jameis Winston was named the starting quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, promoting celebrations from Saints fans and reaction from NFL media.
The New Orleans Saints quarterback battle is finished and Jameis Winston has been crowned the heir to Drew Brees.
Winston competed with Taysom Hill this offseason to take over the starting quarterback job, riding an excellent preseason outing against the Jaguars into the driver’s seat.
Jameis Winston has been named the Saints' starting quarterback and will make his first start for New Orleans on opening day vs. Green Bay Packers, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 27, 2021
The writing was on the wall with Jameis Winston and the Saints
Winston definitely earned his place by going 9-for-10 with 123 yards and two touchdowns in the second preseason game. After that performance, it felt like a no-brainer for many.
Good for him man. Bet on himself, humbled and grinded. Great opportunity
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) August 27, 2021
There was no other way for this to go but Jameis Winston. His performance demanded it.
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) August 27, 2021
Picking Jameis Winston to start was an easy and obvious choice. He’s a real quarterback.
— Pete Prisco (@PriscoCBS) August 27, 2021
Also, I'm glad people now know the Saints QB job wasn't promised to anyone. Jameis Winston ended any position battle on Monday with his play.
— Chris Rosvoglou (@RosvoglouReport) August 27, 2021
#Saints coach Sean Payton can do the math. Starting Jameis Winston keeps two talented offensive players on the field virtually every snap if that’s what he wishes. Starting Taysom Hill would have cut that option in half. pic.twitter.com/tTmOHeIPUo
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) August 27, 2021
Of course, there were celebrations.
🎶 STANDIN' ON A CORNER, JAMEIS WINSTON DOWN IN NOLA, SUCH A FINE SIGHT TO SEE!!!🎶 https://t.co/6w8fpRlHEF
— Pardon My Take (@PardonMyTake) August 27, 2021
Don’t know you at all but I’m rooting for you family! @Jaboowins pic.twitter.com/InaI3TwIq9
— Marcus Morris (@MookMorris2) August 27, 2021
Danny Kanell went the extreme route.
Jameis for MVP is worth a flyer
— Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) August 27, 2021
The last time Jameis Winston started a full season: 5,109 passing yards (1st overall).
— NBC Sports Bet (@NBCSportsBet) August 27, 2021
Current odds to lead the league in passing yards: +3300. 👀 pic.twitter.com/SV6H8rVbMn
Ed Werder threw some ice water on the hyperbole with a reminder about why the Buccaneers let Winston go.
There’s no question about the talent of Jameis Winston, named the #Saints starting QB. It’s about decision-making and risk assessment. As the #Buccaneers starter from 2015-2019, he threw 88 INT - 12 more than any of the other 42 qualified passers, per @ESPNStatsInfo
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) August 27, 2021
What about Taysom Hill? He’s back to being a back up whether he likes it or not.
When Jameis Winston see Taysom Hill at the Saints facility pic.twitter.com/yTlmrLUvzl
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) August 27, 2021
Nick Wright and others argued Hill isn’t a starting-caliber quarterback and the Saints‘ decision falls in line with that.
"Taysom Hill is not a starting QB in this league and I'm glad this has finally been put to bed."@GetNickWright on Jameis Winston being named Saints starting QB: pic.twitter.com/Uzlnk8noWX
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) August 27, 2021
I will never forgive any of you bums who tried to make Taysom Hill a thing. Not just a thing but one of the best things in the NFL. He couldn't beat Teddy Bridgewater. He couldn't beat out Jameis Winston. You all owe us an apology for putting up with this nonsense pic.twitter.com/b3J98WO2C5
— THE Monday Morning Quarterblack (@TheMMQBL) August 27, 2021
He’ll have to hope he gets another opportunity somewhere down the line.
The camp battle may have been tough, but things will only get harder for Winston and the Saints. Filling Brees’ shoes will be no easy feat.
They will take on the Packers to start the season on Sept. 12. After that tough opener, Winston will be responsible for keeping New Orleans on track to match last year’s 12-4 record in the regular season.
The biggest hurdle will be keeping his turnovers in check. With a 5,000-yard passing season on his record, there’s no question Winston can sling it. Numbers matter far less than that win-loss record, though.