New Orleans Saints: 4 players who need to step up in 2021
By Jonny Camer
New Orleans Saints that need to step up – No. 2: Jameis Winston
Sean Payton will likely pick Jameis Winston to be his starting quarterback for the 2021 NFL season. The starting quarterback of any team must play well enough if they want their team to win ball games and keep the starting job.
For Winston, however, it’s a little different because this may be his last true shot at a permanent starting job in the NFL. After being the first overall in the 2015 NFL Draft, it’s safe to say Winston has played below expectations, as he has a career losing record, a 61.4 completion percentage, and an 86.6 passer rating.
Though it hasn’t been all bad, we have seen some flashes of greatness as in 2019; he threw for over 5,100 yards and 30 touchdowns. Be that as it may, if Winston doesn’t step up and prove the doubters wrong, it may be his last starting job in the NFL.
More than ever, though, the Saints need a new leader on the field. With the retirement of Drew Brees, the Saints will have a new quarterback on the field for the first time since 2006. This puts much pressure on Winston’s plate because he will have to come in right away and give the fans and team something to cheer and be excited about. It could lead to a loss of faith and hopelessness for the fan and locker room if he doesn’t.
It will be interesting to see how Payton uses Winston’s strong arm in his new playbook. Deep threats like Deonte Harris and Trequan Smith have been hindered under the Drew Brees weaker arm era.