MINNEAPOLIS – Thanks to showing an ability to move a dormant Cleveland Browns offense. did third-string quarterback Brian Hoyer go from the bench to starter?
Hoyer, a former backup to Tom Brady in New England, played admirably on the road against a stout Minnesota Vikings defense in going 30-of-54 for 321 yards, and throw two touchdowns in a 31-27 comeback win. The Cleveland-area native threw three interceptions and be sacked four times. After a tumultuous week in which Cleveland demoted wide receiver Greg Little to No. 3 , promoted Hoyer to starter over second-stringer, Jason Campbell and trade the so-called “ordinary” running back Trent Richardson to the Indianapolis Colts, no one would have expected the type of play that Hoyer produced.
In only his second-ever NFL start, Hoyer helped Toledo-area born rookie head coach Rob Chudzinski earn his first-ever NFL victory in the process. Perhaps, Hoyer starting may indeed be a blessing in disguise for an offensively-challenged Cleveland team.
The former Cleveland St Ignatius High and Michigan State standout sparked a dormant and sleep-walking offense which has scored one two touchdown in two games to two touchdowns, 24 points and 252 total yards in the first half. While the return of Josh Gordon—who may be traded—helped in being able to attack the Vikings downfield, Hoyer’s ability to make quick decisions and throw the ball vertically with some accuracy may have triggered another media firestorm in the local Cleveland-area media and quarterback controversy, thanks to Hoyer’s heroics.
While this is no indictment towards current starter Brandon Weeden, but the way that Hoyer played inside the loud Metrodome in providing a much-needed spark on offense, as opposed to Weeden, spoke volumes of the decision to take a shot on him. While it was the case of two winless teams playing each other, desperate for a win, it is not time to call this the second coming of future NFL MVP Brian Sipe replacing Mike Phipps—just yet.
But, if Hoyer manages to play well in a possible second start, don’t be too surprised if Hoyer—not Weeden—is under center again for the Browns.
Robert D. Cobb is the Founder/CEO/Senior Editor-In-Chief Of The Inscriber : Digital Magazine, for questions, comments and concerns email me at robcobb@theinscriber.com follow me on Twitter @RC_TheInscriber and follow The Inscriber : Digital Magazine on Twitter at @TheInscriber