Saints “Winners and Losers” From Win Over Arizona
By Bob Rose
WINNER: TIM HIGHTOWER, RUNNING BACK
Dec 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Tim Hightower (34) reacts in the arms of offensive tackle Tony Hills (76) on the sidelines after scoring his second touchdown of the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Saints defeated the Cardinals 48-41. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Although his stats weren’t indicative of his overall performance, Hightower played a key role in the win over Arizona — the very same NFL team that drafted him in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft out of the University of Richmond (Virginia).
Hightower rushed for 37 yards on 11 carries and scored two of the Saints’ final three touchdowns, helping to “seal the deal” in what turned out to be an old-fashioned, 1970’s NFL style (think Ken “The Snake” Stabler vs. Dan Fouts) “Wild West shootout” between two of the NFL’s high-powered offenses.
A visibly emotional Hightower was thrilled to come away with a win in the stadium where his NFL career — which many thought was over after he suffered a near-career threatening injury knee in 2012 (with the Washington Redskins) — and reflected upon the moment with reporters after the game.
“The last time I was here, back a year ago, I wasn’t even on the roster,” Hightower said. “This kind of brought everything full-circle.”
Indeed it did — and it couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy.