Alvin Kamara should hope Jameis Winston wins quarterback battle

The New Orleans Saints are set to have a battle at quarterback. With two capable starters, at the beginning of the season, long-time head coach Sean Payton is going to have to choose between Jameis Winston or Taysom Hill.

While it’s possible there’s an outlier third option, in all likelihood, Hill or Winston will be leading the way come Week 1. With Drew Brees retired, the Saints will be looking at a new quarterback either way.

The New Orleans Saints will have someone not named Drew Brees behind center, and Alvin Kamara should hope Jameis Winston wins the battle.

Kamara does better with a true pocket passer under center, and Winston may not be what Brees was for the star running back. But, he’ll be a ton better than Hill. Kamara didn’t play well when Hill was the starter.

Averaging just over 59 yards per game while Hill started, Kamara’s real struggles came in the receiving game. He went from a real threat to averaging only 2.5 receptions per game with Hill under center.

On the season, he averaged over seven receptions per game. He was a solid threat on the offensive end, and he needed to be for a team that oftentimes lacked those dynamic, big-play threats.

With Hill, the Saints give Kamara far fewer screens that allow him to get in the flat. Kamara’s main versatility is on display in the receiving game, and with Hill, he just doesn’t get that opportunity. The Saints need him to be at his best to get in the end zone.

Kamara totaled 21 touchdowns last season. They need him to be involved, and with Hill, he just isn’t. That’s something Payton must consider when looking at who will start at the beginning of next season.

At the end of the day, Hill does give the Saints a chance to win, but Winston gives them the best chance to utilize their big-play threats to their highest potential.