It was a memorable day for a pair of former BYU football players on Sunday as Jamaal Williams continued his impressive performance as Green Bay’s featured back and Taysom Hill made a big impact in his NFL debut and was trending on Twitter too.
Jamaal Williams
After making just his second career start last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers where he totaled 135 yards and two touchdowns on the road at Heinz Field, Williams carried that momentum into Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The former BYU running back and all-time leading rusher had a career-day as the rookie rushed for 113 yards on 21 carries and scored a touchdown in the Packers’ 26-20 overtime win. The 113-yard performance was the first time a BYU running back has rushed for over 100 yards since 1984.
EXTREMELY rude move from Jamaal Williams #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/go8tVIGFWC
— Dusty All 22 (@All22Talk) December 4, 2017
From his stiff arms and jukes, Williams, who has filled in nicely as Green Bay’s featured back due to injuries, ran hard all game long as he dragged tacklers and got a lot of yards after contact.
Although he missed action on the game-winning play as Aaron Jones scored a 20-yard touchdown to seal the win, Williams did put the team in scoring position with several nice runs and a 12-yard pass from Brett Huntley.
“I took myself out I was a little gassed,” Williams told reporters about the final play. “The plan was to come out for one play and then go back in, but when Jones kicked it outside, I went ‘oh he’s gone’. We win, let’s go home now.”
Jamaal Williams will not stop. #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/E183EagXvr
— Forward Mile NFL (@ForwardMileNFL) December 3, 2017
Video: Green Bay’s Jamaal Williams Shines In Sunday’s Primetime Game Against Steelers
Taysom Hill
Taysom Hill, one of BYU’s most dynamic quarterbacks to ever play, made his NFL debut for the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, but it wasn’t where you would have expected it. Still stuck as the No. 3 quarterback on the depth chart, Hill was called on to play special teams due to injuries and made the most of his opportunity.
“I showed up Wednesday morning to a team meeting, and everyone was kind of laughing at me, ‘Hey, you’re on special teams,'” Hill said. “I looked at the card and sure enough my number made the special teams depth chart.”
Hill’s first tackle came in the second quarter, when he stopped Panthers returner Fozzy Whittaker in his tracks after a 23-yard return. After the tackle, Hill jumped in the air and was congratulated by his teammates and a huge smile from head coach Sean Payton.
When a QB gets a tackle on special teams @T_Hill4!
Sean Payton loved it! #GoSaints pic.twitter.com/zrPs2lw3IP
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) December 4, 2017
I want someone to think about me and smile like Sean Payton does when he thinks about Taysom Hill. pic.twitter.com/gC7U83M9BI
— Jeff Berger (@Bergergrams) December 3, 2017
When Green Bay let you claim Taysom Hill off waivers. pic.twitter.com/7x2VHxDt9n
— Brian Fagan (@bdfagan) December 3, 2017
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Hill also got in done on the punt return team as he also came close to blocking two punts. On one play, Hill came off the edge and forced Carolina punter Michael Palardy to drop the ball and then threw an incomplete pass. The other, Hill came inside and just missed out on his another block.
His play did not go unnoticed as FOX announcers Joe Buck and Troy Aikman went off about how Hill’s effort and how he was all over the place. Buck and Aikman then started talking about conversations they had with Coach Payton and how much he loves Taysom Hill and how he considers him to be a big part of the team going forward. Depending when Brees decides to hang it up, next year’s OTAs just got a lot more interesting.
Saints QB Drew Brees, who is considered a lock as a future Hall-of-Famer, was asked about Hill’s performance after the game and below is a video and transcript of what he had to say. Hill also received the game ball for his effort on Sunday.
“I love it. Taysom Hill, man, what a stud. I was really happy for him. You always say, the more you can do, right? And his attitude and just embracing the opportunity just to get on the field and help the team in whatever way he could. He’s a big, strong, talented guy. But, you know, it’s not every day you say, ‘Hey, quarterback who’s never played special teams ever, we’re gonna have you playing in an NFL game running down on kickoffs and rushing punts and tackling people.’” – Drew Brees
Drew Brees on QB Taysom Hill playing on special teams #GoSaints pic.twitter.com/otAxVinwrr
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) December 4, 2017
Game ball for #Saints QB/special teams ace @T_Hill4 #GoSaints #FamousAmongFriends #DillyDilly pic.twitter.com/0XXTSiAecR
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) December 4, 2017
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