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Taysom Hill's TD run, INT highlight eventful first quarter
New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill. Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Watch: Taysom Hill's TD run, INT highlight eventful first quarter for versatile playmaker

By Eric Smithling  |  Last updated Nov 17, 2024 2:03 PM ET

The Saints' Swiss Army knife showcased his vast arsenal of talents on New Orleans' opening drive Sunday against the Browns.

Taysom Hill, listed as a tight end on the team's official roster, had a completion, reception and touchdown run on consecutive plays to give the Saints (3-7) an early 7-0 lead.

His 18-yard completion to wide receiver Kevin Austin came on a trick play, with Hill beginning the play lined up next to Austin on the left side of the formation. Quarterback Derek Carr tossed Hill the ball on an end-around, and Hill completed the pass to Austin along the right sideline.

Hill added a three-yard reception on the next play, followed by a 10-yard rushing touchdown on a read option after the Browns defense sold out to stop running back Alvin Kamara.

ESPN's Katherine Terrell noted Hill also blocked for Kamara, which won't appear in the box score, but exemplified one of his most valuable traits.

Per the Saints' communications department, Hill's rushing touchdown was the 42nd score of his eight-year NFL career, putting him in sole possession of ninth place in franchise history for career touchdowns.

Hill missed four games earlier this season with fractured ribs but has been a key contributor for New Orleans when healthy.

He entered Week 11 with 27 carries, 130 yards and three touchdowns. His 70.4% success rate is the highest among players with at least 25 carries. (h/t Stathead)

The Saints went to the well one too many times, though. Hill threw an interception on an ill-advised deep heave on first down later in the quarter after he picked up 42 yards on a kickoff return.

True to being a multi-threat, Hill did a little bit of everything, both good and bad, in the first quarter against the Browns (2-7).

Eric Smithling
Twitter/X Muck Rack

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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