Saints Considering Quarterback Change

The New Orleans Saints are on the brink of a lost season, and they're willing to do whatever it takes to claw their way back to relevance, including a quarterback change. Head coach Dennis Allen revealed at a Monday press conference that quarterback Jameis Winston could return to the starting lineup this week.

Dennis Allen said he’ll sit down and visit with Jameis Winston, will talk to the medical staff, etc, said they have to do what gives the team the best chance to win. Said he has not made a decision at QB yet, but sounds like Winston is a possibility.

— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) November 14, 2022

Winston has been out since a ghastly Week 3 performance against the Carolina Panthers in which he threw two interceptions and fumbled twice. In three starts, Winston has thrown five interceptions and taken 11 sacks. His play (as well as his place on the bench) had partly been attributed to ankle and back injuries.

In Winston's place, quarterback Andy Dalton briefly provided the Saints offense with a spark that included a 39-32 win over the Seattle Seahawks and a 24-0 dismantling of the Las Vegas Raiders. But Dalton has proven similarly mistake-prone, throwing seven interceptions this season and leading the Saints to losses in four of their last five games.

Winston has been practicing regularly for several weeks now, so if health was a factor in his poor play, it shouldn't be anymore. At 3-7, the Saints would probably be well-served to start Winston for the remainder of the season. If he plays well and can lift the team to the playoffs, then the team will know it has its quarterback of the future. If he stumbles, then they'll have every reason they need to move on.

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