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Four weeks ago, Saints coach Sean Payton led everyone to believe that Jameis Winston, not Taysom Hill, would replace Drew Brees as the team’s starting lineup. Hill started, along with three more. Today, Payton has once again shown his brilliance when it comes to manipulating defender information.
With all the signs that Brees will participate in another game, Payton has removed the switcheroo, announcing that Brees will return to the starting line on Sunday.
The development contradicts all available evidence and assumptions. On Sunday, FOX’s Jay Glazer called for Brees’ return on Christmas Day against the Vikings. “more of a viable target“Rather than a resumption of the 15th week of the charges against the bosses. On Thursday, NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport said Brees won’t play until he’s “asymptomatic. “On Thursday, ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (who reported that Brees will start) stressed Payton’s press conference comment that Brees still has”a way to go“And that” we will not just hurry [Brees] back and just put it in the game. “
Now that the bosses have probably spent most of the week preparing for Hill, they (and the rest of us) find out that Brees will be the guy. It’s a brilliant move, with no real disadvantage for Payton – and significant potential in the form of defending unprepared bosses and an opportunity to get a much-needed angry victory if the Saints hope to secure the No. 1 seed.