Joining the New England Patriots for the third time in Brian Hoyer’s career wasn’t just to play a backup role. The 10-year veteran took less money for an opportunity to start.
Although Bill Belichick hasn’t publicly announced the team’s starter for 2020 — it’s widely assumed that Jarrett Stidham is a lock. Former Patriots defensive end Rob Ninkovich had a different perspective on ESPN’s “Get Up” that aired on Friday.
“I think Brian Hoyer will be the starter Week 1 and I say that because the quarterback position is one of the most important for reps under center, seeing defensive looks, looking at coverage, understanding the offense,” Ninkovich said, transcribed by NESN.
“…Look, they’re not practicing right now. There’s no minicamp, there’s no offseason, there’s no training camp. We don’t know when that’s going to happen. “So if you have a veteran quarterback who has been in the system, understands what to expect what an NFL season is like, you’re gonna want to go with a guy who has the veteran leadership (and) also what it takes to be in that building. Look, when you’re a second-year player, you really don’t realize what a season’s like as a starter. You don’t understand what it’s going to take, and not having an offseason does not help. So, Brian Hoyer will be the starter Week 1.”
Ninkovich makes a great point, and Hoyer’s extensive knowledge of the Patriots’ offense gives him a tremendous advantage. The COVID-19 pandemic has put a halt to social gatherings — making it extremely difficult for Stidham to get reps with his teammates.
Tom Brady’s departure from the team came in bad timing and Bill Belichick has to make a tough decision at quarterback now. Two of the team’s most difficult matchups come in the first four weeks with Seattle Seahawks and Kansas City Chiefs.
Hoyer would be the safer option, but Stidham appears to be the team’s successor to Brady at the moment. The Patriots play the Miami Dolphins Week 1 — hopefully with four preseason games to make a decision.
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