This isn’t a total surprise but Ian Book didn’t have a great night. The New Orleans Saints quarterback started his rookie season as the fourth string QB but after Jameis Winston tore his ACL earlier in the season and Taysom Hill and Trevor Siemian both sidelined for COVID, Book was vaulted into the spotlight to perform in a near-impossible situation.
Things started off bad for Book as his second career pass attempt was returned for a touchdown. After that, Book slowly got more comfortable but it didn’t result in too many points. Book went 12/20 for 135 yards with two interceptions and eight sacks in a 20-3 loss to the Miami Dolphins. It wasn’t the greatest performance, but what else is supposed to happen when the fourth string quarterback plays on a team where so many are out with COVID?
Many took to social media to remark about Ian Book’s debut. While some saw the humor in the situation and cracked some harmless jokes, people actually felt somewhat sorry about Book as he did the best he could with the people who were available.
How Saints fans feel about Ian Book starting pic.twitter.com/wW6hcBXtU7
— Josh Preston (@JPrestonSports) December 23, 2021
Ian Book in the pocket tonight pic.twitter.com/Dpq7V4XNIQ
— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) December 28, 2021
I feel bad for Ian Book
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) December 28, 2021
Ian Book pic.twitter.com/8IrJSlMC0S
— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) December 28, 2021
ian book pic.twitter.com/Dzp62SUno5
— ivan (@helloimivan) December 28, 2021
Ian Book’s first start comes without the Saints starting offensive tackles. That’s just cruel.
— Chris Rosvoglou (@RosvoglouReport) December 27, 2021
Ian Book's body when he gets up from his bed tomorrow morning: pic.twitter.com/ieL9P0Vtxz
— Paper Route Fushiguro 🚧🐬🚧 (@MillyBeamen) December 28, 2021
Down several assistant coaches and defensive starters. Your starting offensive tackles are out. Your pass catchers can't get open (or catch). Ian Book is a rookie who clearly looked flustered from all the pressure Miami was bringing.
Just an awful spot for the Saints.
— Chris Rosvoglou (@RosvoglouReport) December 28, 2021
Ian Book everytime he drops back behind the Saints o-line pic.twitter.com/CSPsbBg2it
— Lom Lrady (@justin_legrand) December 28, 2021
Ian Book struggled mightily. No denying it. Not sure how we fairly grade him considering the circumstances.
That said, the Saints have to be players in the QB market this offseason. Nothing should change that.
— Chris Rosvoglou (@RosvoglouReport) December 28, 2021
Seahawks fans watching Ian Book take that back-breaking sack instead of throwing the ball away pic.twitter.com/lzeHFHK421
— Joe Fann (@Joe_Fann) December 28, 2021
Ian Book pic.twitter.com/lkUTOSrGXR
— xotic (@xoticsmgz) December 28, 2021