Could Brian Hoyer be a fit in DC?

by Parks Smith on Jan 31, 2012 2:04 PM EST in NFL Free Agents

Patriots backup quarterback Brian Hoyer was a trendy name in NFL circles about a year ago. Many thought 2012 would be Hoyer's big pay day where the 26 year old bolts New England for a shot at a starting job elsewhere. But the Hoyer talk has simmered down quite a bit over the past year. Why? Well, I think it may be the arrival of Ryan Mallett, who obviously has a lot more god given talent than Hoyer and is a bit younger. But could Hoyer be the next Matt Cassel?

Many point to Matt Flynn as being an option because of his tutelage under Aaron Rodgers, but wouldn't Hoyer be even more viable playing under Brady for three years? Hoyer has only thrown 43 passes in the NFL, completing 27 of them and registering 286 yards, a touchdown, and one interception. My question is... what makes Hoyer the next Matt Cassel and what makes him the next Matt Gutierrez?

Do I think the Redskins should take a look at Hoyer? Sure. Is he the answer here? Absolutely not. Hoyer had a nice career at Michigan State but nothing that would blow anyone away. The only scenario where I think the Redskins should sign the restricted free agents is if we draft a QB and need a quality backup (if Rex Grossman doesn't re-sign).

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Not really

Many point to Matt Flynn as being an option because of his tutelage under Aaron Rodgers,

Anybody who does that is an idiot. I point to Flynn being an option because of what he has done in his limited chances on the field. If Hoyer had set franchise records in the game that he played in then i would put him on the same level as Flynn. Who they sit behind on the bench is irrelevant.

6-0 in the Divisional Round and Conference Championships

by Jeff Bernard on Jan 31, 2012 2:20 PM EST reply actions

Well Hoyer was 1 for 1 this year for 22 yards

That’s a QB rating of 119 and 22 yards per completion! You should be in love with this guy.

Editor at Hogs Haven - Redskins Blog
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by Parks Smith on Jan 31, 2012 2:29 PM EST up reply actions

That is true, especially seeing as how small sample size isn't deterring me from Flynn

The sample size is very small on Flynn and i would in no way shape or form get into a bidding war over him. However, i do believe people can improve after college and sometimes things click for people. We’ve seen that with QBs in the past. I don’t want to give the impression that i think Flynn is an elite level QB but Flynn + the #6 pick with Rex at the backup spot gives us the best chance to start competing for the NFC East crown this year and beyond.

From watching film over the last 4 years I can tell you this: Man is Landry Jones good! -Tiller56

by Jeff Bernard on Jan 31, 2012 2:39 PM EST up reply actions

If we sign Flynn then why would Rex sign here?

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by Parks Smith on Jan 31, 2012 3:42 PM EST up reply actions

Because nobody else would want him ?

by SAP_Pete on Jan 31, 2012 3:45 PM EST up reply actions

where else would he go?

From watching film over the last 4 years I can tell you this: Man is Landry Jones good! -Tiller56

by Jeff Bernard on Jan 31, 2012 4:50 PM EST up reply actions

I don't get it. Rex is a more than capable backup and he'll likely have a choice of teams to go to be the backup.

This year more than ever showed what a quality backup means to a team. You can bash Rex all you want but he’d be one of the best backups in the league and he can go ring chasing if he chooses to do so.

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by Parks Smith on Jan 31, 2012 4:57 PM EST up reply actions

I agree

Rex is very capable and could start on at least 10 teams(give or take) in the league. I just don’t know what the market is for a guy who turns the ball over as much as he does. I wouldn’t hold it against him if he left but i don’t think GMs are beating down the door trying to sign Rex to be a starter so being a backup here is as good as being a backup anywhere i suppose. Unless of course Green Bay needs a replacement for Flynn who is coming here.

From watching film over the last 4 years I can tell you this: Man is Landry Jones good! -Tiller56

by Jeff Bernard on Jan 31, 2012 5:22 PM EST up reply actions

How so?

so being a backup here is as good as being a backup anywhere i suppose.

Why would he chose to be a backup on bad team when he could be a backup on a good team?

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by Parks Smith on Jan 31, 2012 5:25 PM EST up reply actions

because being a backup on a good team means you have less of a chance to start

With injury risk being equal.

From watching film over the last 4 years I can tell you this: Man is Landry Jones good! -Tiller56

by Jeff Bernard on Jan 31, 2012 5:26 PM EST up reply actions

So why did he turn down a long-term deal here last year?

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by Parks Smith on Jan 31, 2012 5:27 PM EST up reply actions

I thought he turned down a 2yr deal in favor of a 1yr deal

by DCrez on Jan 31, 2012 7:08 PM EST up reply actions

Which one is longer than the other? The two year deal or the one year deal?

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by Parks Smith on Jan 31, 2012 7:10 PM EST up reply actions

Which one would people consider "long term"? 1 year or 2? Or neither?

by DCrez on Jan 31, 2012 7:12 PM EST up reply actions

I'll ask you again, which one is longer 1 year or 2?

For a 30+ year old QB… Are we really criticizing semantics?

It was never said what he turned down, all we know is that it was LONGER than one year.

Grossman announced that it was a one-year contract, because he wanted to play the season and try free agency again next year.

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by Parks Smith on Jan 31, 2012 9:57 PM EST up reply actions

i cant imagine

any team taking Rex over their first string QB…including McCoy, Sanchez, Moore, Jackson, etc

When I was a kid, my father told me, "Never hit anyone in anger, unless you're absolutely sure you can get away with it." -Russell Ziskey

by Redskin44 on Jan 31, 2012 5:41 PM EST up reply actions

yeah there is very little value in a guy who turns the ball over 2x a game.

he has 92 TOs in 47 starts, so this season wasnt a bad year for Rex it was actually his best.

by DCrez on Jan 31, 2012 7:11 PM EST up reply actions

I will agree, Rex on the Bears and they don't miss the playoffs this year

by Bryan Black on Jan 31, 2012 8:37 PM EST via Android app up reply actions 1 recs

bingo

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by Parks Smith on Jan 31, 2012 9:57 PM EST up reply actions

ied say raiders too

and i think texans beat ravens with rex.

by munson21502 on Jan 31, 2012 11:25 PM EST up reply actions

The name to remember is Derek Anderson

Not a proponent of him but I bet he’ll be brought in along with a rookie even if that rookie will be 29 during next season.

@Callahan_9 on the twitter machine.

by Diesel44 on Jan 31, 2012 6:21 PM EST up reply actions

Good one Parks, because 1 for 1 is the same as 400 yards and 6TD's. Good observation!

by tw10 on Feb 1, 2012 8:15 AM EST up reply actions

Stats don't lie... Hoyer performed at an EXTREMELY high level when asked to this year. 100% completions is WAY better than Flynn.

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by Parks Smith on Feb 1, 2012 8:40 AM EST up reply actions

where's my

JIM SORGI love at?

by Kia.Area51 on Jan 31, 2012 8:40 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

He wears the number 8

I think that might be a problem for some of the fan base

The world looks mighty different when you're peeking out your belly button

by Skins Fan '77 on Jan 31, 2012 2:23 PM EST reply actions

I would trade for Ryan Mallett I know he was a junkie and thats the last we need around here.but I was impressed with him last year and thought he was a better prospect than a lot of the guys who went before him . I wouldldnt bring hoyer in if the most impresive thing on his resume is watching tom brady but i wouldnt be opposed to the idea if it guarantees rex wont be back

by taylor21 on Jan 31, 2012 2:40 PM EST reply actions

I'd rather have Mallett

than Hoyer OR Flynn.

Where do they teach you to talk like this? In some Panama City "Sailor wanna hump-hump" bar, or is it getaway day and your last shot at his whiskey? Sell crazy someplace else, we're all stocked up here.

by CJHutch on Jan 31, 2012 2:56 PM EST up reply actions

+ 1

I wanted Mallett last year, even if Dave Chappelle ws sprinkling some crack on it.

I see it as more cushion for the pushin'

by iH8dallas on Jan 31, 2012 3:08 PM EST up reply actions

Hahaha that's right, you were probably the most vocal Mallet supporter on here...

by mbedner on Jan 31, 2012 3:42 PM EST up reply actions

haha apparently you never saw Tiller's defense of Mallett

Steveospeak - Content Manager of Fanspeak.com

by Steve Shoup on Jan 31, 2012 4:10 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Thank god those days are over...

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by Parks Smith on Jan 31, 2012 4:13 PM EST up reply actions

I probably did, but lets just say, iH8 was more 'in your face' about it...

by mbedner on Jan 31, 2012 4:17 PM EST up reply actions

ooooo no, not even close

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by Parks Smith on Jan 31, 2012 4:18 PM EST up reply actions

Really? Hmmm... my memory must be failing me. Perhaps I've confused the two

by mbedner on Jan 31, 2012 4:43 PM EST up reply actions

Actually, I don't think I was even a member of HH during last year's draft.

I think I joined in the summer.

I see it as more cushion for the pushin'

by iH8dallas on Jan 31, 2012 4:36 PM EST up reply actions

haha uhoh mbedner is confusing you with Tiller

now we just need Tiller with a harmonica in his picture

Steveospeak - Content Manager of Fanspeak.com

by Steve Shoup on Jan 31, 2012 4:44 PM EST up reply actions

Is it a harmonica? I always assumed he was crying...

Why someone would post a picture of themselves crying, I don’t know. But there are a ton of questionable things iH8 does that I’ve decided to overlook.

by mbedner on Jan 31, 2012 4:47 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

What every it is behind his hands (if anything at all) has never been officially identified.

Personally I thought it was him thinking his hardest for a weekly prediction.

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by Parks Smith on Jan 31, 2012 4:58 PM EST up reply actions

I can confirm that it's a harmonica.

I got really drunk one night and decided to play it at a bar. #winning

I see it as more cushion for the pushin'

by iH8dallas on Jan 31, 2012 9:00 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

i thought

he was biting down on his hand in frustration over another redskin loss

When I was a kid, my father told me, "Never hit anyone in anger, unless you're absolutely sure you can get away with it." -Russell Ziskey

by Redskin44 on Jan 31, 2012 5:37 PM EST up reply actions

Blast! you're right. The draft was late April you joined mid-May

It must have been Tiller. Thought, I do remember you Monday morning quarterbacking the Mallet selection.

by mbedner on Jan 31, 2012 4:45 PM EST up reply actions

I would too, honestly.

But Flynn doesn’t cost draft picks or players.

by tuckwell on Jan 31, 2012 4:13 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions

Unless the Packers franchise-tag him

so they can get a draft pick out of somene.

It is what it is

by Middlesex on Jan 31, 2012 7:32 PM EST up reply actions

Not going to happen.

They aren’t in the best cap situation.

by tuckwell on Jan 31, 2012 9:10 PM EST up reply actions

+Tiller

Dear Passionate fan, I know you are passionate, but please reply with a logical answer or I will ignore you.

by TerpsAllTheWay on Jan 31, 2012 9:26 PM EST up reply actions

Ben Hoyer

I’m not exactly sure how much New England would ask for him but I could see him being a strong sleeper QB candidate for us.

I haven’t heard much mention of his name but Josh Johnson in Tampa could also be a sleeper guy to add as a backup/ push the starter.

"If there's football in heaven I will be thinking of Sean Taylor every time it thunders."

by Ohio Redskins on Jan 31, 2012 3:19 PM EST reply actions

1) Who is Ben Hoyer?

2) Josh Johnson is beyond terrible

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by Parks Smith on Jan 31, 2012 3:43 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

hoyer flynn whatever

both have question marks and limited appearances . it would be a gamble to take either and i am sorry but i dont take either EXPECTING these guys do more then manage the game and make a play or 2 when its there

if they do become "franchise qbs " then we consider ourselves lucky

as for rex , i say why bother ? he is a turnover machine and he isnt changing . get someone who takes care of the ball and maybe we can post a few more wins up

by skinsdad62 on Jan 31, 2012 3:49 PM EST up reply actions

if anyone becomes a Franchise QB be it Matt Flynn or Andrew Luck you should consider yourself very lucky

Steveospeak - Content Manager of Fanspeak.com

by Steve Shoup on Jan 31, 2012 4:11 PM EST up reply actions

Haha WOW, completely whiffed on Brian Hoyer

But answer this question: If it came down to Rex or Josh Johnson, who would you want?

"If there's football in heaven I will be thinking of Sean Taylor every time it thunders."

by Ohio Redskins on Jan 31, 2012 4:02 PM EST up reply actions

Rex hands down.

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by Parks Smith on Jan 31, 2012 4:09 PM EST up reply actions

Maybe I'm letting my hatred

For Rex get the best of me

"If there's football in heaven I will be thinking of Sean Taylor every time it thunders."

by Ohio Redskins on Jan 31, 2012 4:13 PM EST up reply actions

Rex

(barf)

by ENsDad27 on Jan 31, 2012 4:13 PM EST up reply actions

maybe we can do a trade back with the pats.

we get both their number 1s plus ben hoyer and they can have our pick and get a stud cb. maybe swap second or 3rd round picks aswell to sweeten the deal

by munson21502 on Jan 31, 2012 8:31 PM EST up reply actions

Have we learned nothing since watching Matt Cassell excel in a system for one year and then be decidedly average since?

Matt Cassel > Flyn and Hoyer IMO

And I don’t want any of them on a Redskins roster.

Redskins @RGIII - 2012

by Copious 1 on Jan 31, 2012 4:07 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

Hence the open discussion, no one is definitevely saying to get Hoyer.

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by Parks Smith on Jan 31, 2012 4:09 PM EST up reply actions

Ben Hoyer, Brian's uncle probably is

Steveospeak - Content Manager of Fanspeak.com

by Steve Shoup on Jan 31, 2012 4:11 PM EST up reply actions

An open discussion about What's his name Hoyer?

This discussion should be closed. Permanently.

I see it as more cushion for the pushin'

by iH8dallas on Jan 31, 2012 4:35 PM EST up reply actions

That comment was just something to toss in the mix before folks start peeing on their nuts with excitement.

Redskins @RGIII - 2012

by Copious 1 on Jan 31, 2012 4:12 PM EST up reply actions

That comment was just something to toss in the mix before folks start peeing on their nuts with excitement.

Redskins @RGIII - 2012

by Copious 1 on Jan 31, 2012 4:12 PM EST reply actions

NO...

(nothing else to say)

by jgibbsfan1 on Jan 31, 2012 4:14 PM EST reply actions

Not a long term solution. If the ties-to-Peyton rumors are true, (though we’ve seen under Shanahan, these things tend to be smoke and mirrors) then I’ll be convinced that nothing has changed.

I want a long term answer at QB, career backups and old vets need to be a thing of the past.

by Brutus89 on Jan 31, 2012 4:25 PM EST reply actions

For the last time, we're trading up for Robert Griffin III.

Holy smokes! Hoyer? Hoyer? Really?

I see it as more cushion for the pushin'

by iH8dallas on Jan 31, 2012 4:30 PM EST reply actions

Perhaps you will take the $100 bet that we are not going to draft RG3

From watching film over the last 4 years I can tell you this: Man is Landry Jones good! -Tiller56

by Jeff Bernard on Jan 31, 2012 4:52 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

I would love to explain that to my wife.

“Honey, what did you spend $100 on?”

“Well, you see, I made a bet with a dude on this Redskins blog about who we would draft…”

“You’re a fucking idiot.”

Then I don’t get laid for a month for being dumb. NO THANKS!

I see it as more cushion for the pushin'

by iH8dallas on Jan 31, 2012 9:05 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

The key here is that your wife would know that you lost $100

Editor at Hogs Haven - Redskins Blog
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by Parks Smith on Jan 31, 2012 9:59 PM EST up reply actions

Exactly...

buy her some cubic zarconia earrings….you’ll have an extra couple hundred bucks to throw around

"Honey Badger Don't Care"

by ptowny on Feb 1, 2012 8:10 AM EST up reply actions

oh yea...

tell her they’re diamonds, otherwise you’re just cheap

"Honey Badger Don't Care"

by ptowny on Feb 1, 2012 8:10 AM EST up reply actions

Apparently, Jim Zorn is a hot commodity: Chiefs deny the Bears permission to speak to Jim Zorn

per PFT.

by mbedner on Jan 31, 2012 4:55 PM EST reply actions

Buy your dodgeball and slip'n'slide stock in Chicago NOW

Editor at Hogs Haven - Redskins Blog
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by Parks Smith on Jan 31, 2012 4:59 PM EST up reply actions

He's a great QB Coach, but a terrible Head Coach. Made Flacco better last year, made Hasselbeck.

Dear Passionate fan, I know you are passionate, but please reply with a logical answer or I will ignore you.

by TerpsAllTheWay on Jan 31, 2012 9:26 PM EST up reply actions

He'd be cheaper than Flynn.

Bring him in with a Foles in the second. Gives some competition, ability to the QB position. If it doesn’t work, then go all out for Bark next year.

by Andrew DeFrank on Jan 31, 2012 5:03 PM EST reply actions

That is, if we can't get RGIII this year.

by Andrew DeFrank on Jan 31, 2012 5:03 PM EST up reply actions

i still have nightmares

about the year the old ball coach signed all those restricted free agents from the jets

When I was a kid, my father told me, "Never hit anyone in anger, unless you're absolutely sure you can get away with it." -Russell Ziskey

by Redskin44 on Jan 31, 2012 5:35 PM EST reply actions

might as well take a look at johnny utah if we’re considering hoyer

by thatdudepete on Jan 31, 2012 5:37 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

Pats fan here, noticed this post via link at SI and figured I'd add my input.

We like Brian Hoyer. He came out against the Jacksonville Jaguars in preseason and smoked the daylights out of them, followed by Ryan Mallett in the second half who also smoked them with that ridiculous arm. Preseason Week2, Brady smoked the daylights out of the Bucs and was followed by Hoyer who helped bury that mostly-useless preseason game. Brian Hoyer is not a bad QB and is certainly a good teammate. Does he have Mallett’s arm? No, but he’s got one. He’s gotten many practice-player-of-the-week awards and is usually the scout-team’s QB. At the very least, he can come in and provide some cover and experience for a rookie QB. Might he be something more? I never assume someone will or won’t, especially not after the 2001/2002 season.
He’ll be a free-agent next soon. I’m not sure if NE will resign him, franchise-tag him, or what, But I know he is a better backup than either Beck or Grossman.

It is what it is

by Middlesex on Jan 31, 2012 7:39 PM EST reply actions

Thanks for the insight, good luck Sunday.

Editor at Hogs Haven - Redskins Blog
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions

by Parks Smith on Jan 31, 2012 10:00 PM EST up reply actions

I suppose we're going to do a post about every team's backup this offseason.

We could bring back Chase Daniel, he’s had 2 years behind Brees now. How about Mark Brunell? I bet he’s learned something about boogers and hot dogs from Sanchez.

by CarverM on Jan 31, 2012 8:03 PM EST reply actions

If you have any story ideas then let me know, haha... the offseason is brutal for a Sking blogger

Editor at Hogs Haven - Redskins Blog
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by Parks Smith on Jan 31, 2012 10:01 PM EST up reply actions

Free agent safeties and guards that are hidden gems like Bowen was on the D-line.

Redskins @RGIII - 2012

by Copious 1 on Feb 1, 2012 12:00 AM EST via Android app up reply actions

If Parks knows about them

how hidden could they be?

by CarverM on Feb 1, 2012 11:35 AM EST up reply actions

I'm always iffy when it come to NE free agents

NE is a system which, for one reason or another, doesn’t produce players that work on other teams. Sure, they make an impact but they always seem to do better at NE. Deion Branch is a perfect example. Super Bowl MVP one year, garbage the next. Matt Cassel hasn’t be as great as people have hoped, so I doubt Hoyer would be.

by Nobetterthenbob on Jan 31, 2012 8:13 PM EST reply actions

that would be a big no

lohaus #54

by lohaus#54 on Jan 31, 2012 11:41 PM EST reply actions

We should absolutely check him out.

Though I find the criticism of Flynn for being a system QB would be even more valid in the case of any Pats QB.

StephenBeagrie on Twitter and Facebook.

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by Stephen Beagrie on Feb 1, 2012 4:53 AM EST reply actions

thanks for reminding us of Hoye

I had totally forgotten about him. I still don’t think study under any qb makes on a viable option but someone under Brady is worth a look.

I think Matt Flynn is still the best option for reasons already mentioned (bloodied horse). He frees us up to trade back, or take advantage of multiple picks where we can add another decent qb with "8"arm strength on the Tiller scale.

Overall I favor bringing in guys around the league who have spent some time watching, rather than giving the farm on an equal risk.

Rodskins

by Rodskins on Feb 1, 2012 6:40 AM EST via Android app reply actions