The New Orleans Saints needed a starting running back. With Mark Ingram out for the season with a shoulder injury, the Saints needed to find someone to replace his production on the field. It was assumed that CJ Spiller would be the starting back considering his high-priced free agent contract, but instead it was Tim Hightower that got the ball and excelled against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Can it continue in Week 15?
Hightower assumed the role of Ingram and was active on 58 of the team's 82 snaps on offense. Meanwhile, Spiller was active on just 15 snaps. Hightower racked up 85 yards and a late touchdown in the win which earned him the respect of the team and likely another start in Week 15.
"I've been on a team where you're starting to get to the end of the season and, 'Ahh, we didn't make the playoffs,' and guys just folded it in," Hightower said, via ESPN.com. "We didn't do that, man. To come out here on the road and get this win against a team that's been playing pretty well, we didn't do it. Man, I'm a fighter. And it just resonated with me, this team. And I just wanted to embrace these guys. They fought, we fought."
The biggest question is where this leaves Spiller moving forward. According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, Spiller could be a one and done with the Saints after struggling to grasp the offense and displaying a lack of explosiveness. Spiller signed a four-year contract worth $16 million and $5.75 million in guaranteed money. He would be a $3.75 million dead cap charge if released while the Saints could attempt to at least see if there is any trade interest around him. Considering Spiller has barely touched the field in 2015, the chances another team is willing to give up much to get him is slim.
Drew Brees led the way in the Week 14 win which was the first for the Saints in four weeks. The team is now preparing to take on the Detroit Lions on Monday and will hope that the offense can continue the momentum found against the Buccaneers. The Saints should have a healthy Brandin Cooks and Willie Snea to work with. Both receivers were dealing with injuries in Week 14. Marques Colston will try and capitalize off a two-touchdown performance. According to Brees, the Saints got back to winning football which made the difference in Week 15.