Notre Dame football: Ian Book to make first NFL start on Monday night
By Brad Weiss
![BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 14: Ian Book #16 of the New Orleans Saints attempts a pass ""B]"" during the second half of a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 14, 2021 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2Fa43747a75f83fa40f4aa5dde93a6a3ce8038f94d98652a72225c569553d1416f.jpg "BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 14: Ian Book #16 of the New Orleans Saints attempts a pass \"\"B]\"\" during the second half of a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 14, 2021 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)")
The Notre Dame football program will be on full display on Monday night, as quarterback Ian Book makes his first NFL start for the New Orleans Saints.
During his time as the starting quarterback for the Notre Dame football program, Ian Book won more games than any other signal-caller in school history. A rare blend of speed, and arm talent, Book led the Irish to two College Football Playoffs, playing well enough to be selected in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints.
Starting out deep on the depth chart behind the likes of Taysom Hill, Jameis Winston, and even Trevor Siemian, Book had to wait his turn, but that wait is over. On Monday night, when the Saints take on the Miami Dolphins in primetime, it will be Ian Book who is starting under center for Sean Payton and this New Orleans football team.
Book brings a lot to an offense, possessing the ability to get the job done with his arm, and his legs, and when he was drafted, we felt this would be the perfect spot for him to start his NFL journey. Payton is an offensive genius, and even though he is making his first NFL start, you have to believe he will be put in a position to succeed against the Fins.
Notre Dame football star gets chance due to COVID
The reason for Book starting is because the Saints have been ravaged by COVID, as both Hill and Siemian have been ruled out for the game. Winston has been long gone since tearing up his knee months ago, meaning it will be the Book Show on Monday night, with very little behind him.
After covering Book during his time with the Notre Dame football team, it is clear that he is going to be up for this challenge. The Saints are in desperation mode as they try to hold on to a potential playoff spot, and Book is someone who has stepped up in big situations before, making him an interesting quarterback to keep an eye on this week.