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Hoyer gets work in
When a team decides which 45 players to dress on gameday, the intention usually is that they'll all play in some form or fashion.
All of them, that is, except the backup quarterback (the third QB gets the 46th spot on the gameday roster, if there is one). And that makes it difficult on a rookie trying to get a handle on where he stands. Which is why, while the Patriots' blowouts over the last couple weeks probably had some people reaching for their remotes, or keys, for those at the stadium, QB Brian Hoyer's development kicked into a new gear.
Hoyer got his first NFL action entering the Titans game in the third quarter, with the score 52-0, and then got one fourth-quarter series against the Bucs in London.
"I know it’s just mop-up duty and I’m not trying to get ahead of myself, but game experience, regardless of if it’s the preseason, or regular season is better than anything you get in practice," Hoyer said today. "I think there’s benefits to both (preseason and regular season). Obviously in the preseason, I got to play a little bit longer than I did in the regular season, but there’s nothing like playing in a regular season game. Any experience you get is good, and you try to build on that."
Another valuable thing Hoyer got to do was assess the tape, and find areas to build on, and others to improve with.
He was 9-for-11 for 52 yards against the Titans, and ran for the Patriots' final touchdown. Against Tampa Bay, Hoyer scrambled for 20 yards, showing some scoot as the clock ticked away in London.
"You just try to take what you’ve done on the practice field, and take it out to the field," Hoyer said. "There were plays where I thought I did well, but there were plays where I thought I could’ve done better. But it’s always gonna be like that. So you just go out every day, try and do your job, and get better at your job every day."
Another thing Hoyer got was feedback from Tom Brady. That wasn't unusual, even if the setting was different.
"He’s just like he is in practice," Hoyer said. "I can’t remember specifics, but I do remember coming off the sideline to talk to him. He’s always been helpful, whether it’s been me asking a question or him coming to me and saying you should’ve done this or look at that.
"He’s been good help for me, not only watching him practice and watching him play, but if I have a question to ask, I don’t hesitate to ask him. And if he feels like he has to tell me something, he comes up and tells me."
And as an undrafted free agent who's already second on the depth chart, Hoyer seems to be a pretty good listener.
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