By Ross Jackson
The accolades just keep rolling in for New Orleans Saints tight end (and more) Taysom Hill. After being named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week, Hill has also been selected as the FedEx Air & Ground Player of the Week alongside Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix.
The coincidence of two brainchildren of former Saints head coach Sean Payton and arming this week’s awards is not lost, that’s for certain. But it was under Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi and offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak that Hill put up one of his best career performances at 34-years-old.
Hill piled on 188 yards from scrimmage, 138 rushing yards and 50 receiving yards, along with 42 kickoff return yards. He also notched three rushing touchdowns against the Cleveland Browns, from 10, 33 and 75 yards out. His Week 11 performance has rightfully earned him quite a bit of fanfare.
His selection as the FedEx Air & Ground Player of the Week also benefits an outstanding cause.
“For winning the FedEx Air & Ground NFL Player of the Week Awards,” the announcement’s press release reads. “FedEx will make a $2,000 donation in Hill’s name to a Historically Black College or University of his choice, which will be applied towards needs-based scholarships to deserving HBCU students.”
Quite the honor to be tied to after a remarkable performance. The hope now for the Saints is that after their bye week, they will be able to do something they have struggled to do in the past. That goal should be to keep Hill’s momentum rolling. Too often in the past has the do-it-all player had these kinds of performances only to follow up with a lack of usage in the upcoming games. New Orleans must find a way to capitalize on what Hill clearly still very much has to offer to this team.
A proper mix of his talents along with running back Alvin Kamara should keenly be in focus for New Orleans for the remainder of their season. It’s great to see Hill getting the recognition he deserves. However it will be the wins that will pay forth the highest level of gratitude.
