Brian Hoyer: ‘When I played, we won’
Cleveland Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer (6) before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer did a solid job in his two full starts before tearing his ACL in his third start, and the Browns were 3-0 in the games, including an upset win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Quarterbacks have to be measured by more than wins over what was essentially a two-game span for Hoyer, but he looked serviceable and is a great backup in this league.
Hoyer’s recovery from an ACL tear continues to go well, and he’s a lock to be ready for training camp and should even be ready to take reps in OTAs in a few months. But his future as a starter in Cleveland is uncertain, but I expect the Browns to allow Hoyer to try and start next season. They will have to draft a franchise quarterback in the first round, and most people have them taking either Johnny Manziel or Derek Carr (the Browns, of course, will hope that Teddy Bridgewater or Blake Bortles falls to them). Both QBs could benefit greatly from staying on the bench in their first year in order to develop their games, and Hoyer could be the perfect stopgap. It will be interesting to see what the Browns decide to do, but I expect them to give Hoyer a fair shot at being a stop-gap starter this upcoming season. I mean, GM Michael Lombardi has always liked him, and he also has the backing of the fan base after his play last season.
The Michigan State product doesn’t lack confidence, and he feels like he has a good shot at beating out a rookie for the starting gig. He said, via the Cleveland Plain Dealer’s Mary Kay Cabot, “I was able to start for three games last year, and we did well. When I played, we won, and I’m just looking forward to trying to get back to where I left things off. I think as long as I have a chance, I feel confident in my abilities.”