In the midst of the New England Patriots remodeling their franchise, a former face returned to the fold. The team signed quarterback Brian Hoyer last week. With Hoyer once again a member of the New England Patriots, this marks his third stint with the team.
The question of how he will fit into the offense is an interesting one. Hoyer could fit with the team on either end of the spectrum. He could either serve as the starter if the Patriots deem Jarrett Stidham is not ready.
Alternatively, he could be the backup quarterback that gives the second-year player wisdom as he navigates the National Football League.
For one, we know that Hoyer is familiar with the playbook. This could be helpful in either a starting role, or in a role that sees him help Stidham absorb it quicker. Whoever the quarterback is in 2020, there is going to be a lot of learning on the fly.
If Stidham gets the starting job, he could use Hoyer as a mentor of sorts. Hoyer knows the New England Patriots coaching staff better than anybody on the roster right now. He certainly knows what it takes to survive in the National Football League.
If he were to take over the starting role, he would bring stability to the team while they look to figure out their quarterback of the future. In five seasons with New England, he has played in a total of 23 games. He has never started a game, but has accumulated 335 yards in five years of play with the Patriots.
Statistically, his best season came with Houston in 2015. He played 11 games, starting nine and threw for 2,606 yards, 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
It is also worth noting that he got ample playing time in Cleveland the year before. He appeared in 14 games, starting 13 of them. Throwing for 3326 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions, he certainly got a lot more playing time that year as the starter than he ever did in New England. Both the 2014 and 2015 seasons provided ample opportunity for him.
He brings flexibility to the New England Patriots. If New England needs a starter for the upcoming 2020 season, he can fill that role. If the Patriots need a veteran mentor for Stidham next season, he can fill that role too. He brings the versatility to be able to plug him in either spot. In a season in which the Patriots are going to need flexibility and stabilization, he provides it. It will be interesting to see what role he plays in 2020.
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