NFL News NFL News, Reports and Updates
The Rams struggled to wrap up Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, left, last week. They are focused on delivering a sharper performance against the Saints on Sunday. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times)
The Rams knew what was coming — and could not stop it — when Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley embarrassed them last week with a career-best performance.
But at least the way the Eagles utilized Barkley was predictable. On Sunday, there is no way to anticipate exactly how the New Orleans Saints will deploy Taysom Hill.
The Saints’ utility man plays tight end, receiver, running back and quarterback — and he’s coming off a career-best performance.
Read more: Rams vs. New Orleans Saints: How to watch, prediction and betting odds
In a Nov. 17 victory over the Cleveland Browns, Hill rushed for 138 yards and three touchdowns, including one run that covered 75 yards. He caught eight passes for 50 yards and also completed a pass.
“They do a great job of utilizing his versatile skill set that truly makes him an X-factor,” Rams coach Sean McVay said, adding “He’s been one of those guys that if he gets into a rhythm and a groove, he can be a real nightmare to defend.”
The Saints signed the 6-foot-2, 221-pound Hill in 2017, after the undrafted free-agent tight end from Brigham Young was released by the Green Bay Packers. And his role has continued to evolve.
Hill’s performance against the Browns keyed the Saints’ second consecutive victory since Dennis Allen was fired as coach and replaced by special-teams coordinator Darren Rizzi.
Saints tight end Taysom Hill (7) runs the ball past Browns linebackers Devin Bush (30) and Jordan Hicks (58) on Nov. 17 in New Orleans. (Tyler Kaufman / Associated Press)
The Saints are coming off an open date, so the Rams (5-6) will face a rested Hill.
“You’ve got to kind of keep your eyes on everywhere he’s at,” Rams edge rusher Jared Verse said.
Hill is not the only weapon for a 4-7 team that remains in contention for…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/rams-defense-focused-wrapping-saints-120003647.html
Author : LA Times
Publish date : 2024-11-30 12:00:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
