In the evolving NFL, the quarterback position is becoming more important than ever before. Apparently, the Cleveland Browns have not got the memo the past 13 years. The Browns will see the 19th quarterback start since their return when Brian Hoyer takes the field in Minnesota.
In an interesting move, the Browns brass announced earlier today that third string QB Hoyer, not Jason Campbell, would be the starter this Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. Is this necessarily a bad thing?
The 27-year old Hoyer has limited NFL experience in his four-year career. Sitting behind Tom Brady in New England, Hoyer held a clipboard from 2009 to 2011. During that time, he did see action in 13 regular season games. Having started just one NFL game with the Arizona Cardinals, Hoyer has 616 career passing yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions. His career QB rating is 72.2.
But, all of these figures was before the hometown hero became a Brown. In four preseason games for Cleveland, the local kid threw for 437 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions. However, what was impressive about Hoyer was his command of the offense, pocket presence to avoid pressure and keep a play alive, and mobility. Forget the fact that Hoyer is a third string quarterback, he may be the best fit for the present offense.
With a deteriorating offense line, Hoyer’s mobility might be the type of signal caller the Browns need to spark this starved offense. The Minnesota secondary is weak and the return of Josh Gordon will help. Don’t be surprised if the offense has more rhythm and fluidity on Sunday.
At this point, every Browns diehard can agree – it doesn’t matter who the quarterback is, just win football games. We will all find out on soon enough if Hoyer can make us all feel better on Monday morning.
Ryan Ruiz is the Cleveland Browns Beat Writer for The Inscriber: Digital Magazine. You can follow him on Facebook: Ryan (BrownsWriter) Ruiz and Twitter @ryanpruiz24. Ryan is also a Browns correspondent for The Sportsfix. Tune in every Friday at noon on www.thesportsfix.net.