Saints quarterback Taysom Hill trotted onto the field late in Sunday’s game to chants of his name.
“Tay-som, Tay-som,” they chanted with just enough volume to barely reach the press box located at the top of the building.
A year ago, that sound might have come from 70,000-plus fans screaming in unison, but during Sunday’s 34-23 season-opening victory against the Buccaneers, it was anyone’s guess where it originated.
It could’ve been the small cheering section of inactive and practice squad players situated behind the Saints bench, who were spotted on the video screen celebrating Janoris Jenkins’ pick-six.
“It was quite different. Pretty much the whole game we were on the sideline talking about how different it was,” tight end Jared Cook said. “I think (the inactive players) did a great job bringing energy themselves. It definitely felt a little off. … You have to bring your own…
