Will Brian Hoyer Be The Next Houston Texans Starting Quarterback?
By Randy Gurzi
The Houston Texans had a revolving door last season at the quarterback position. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Ryan Mallett and rookie Tom Savage all started at one point for the team. They even brought back a familiar face in Case Keenum who had found his way to the St. Louis Rams practice squad.
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The revolving may continue in 2015 as it appears the Texans may be serious about bringing in former Cleveland Brown starter Brian Hoyer.
Around the NFL writer Marc Sessler points out that Hoyer, like fellow free agent Mallett, has ties to Texans head coach Bill O’Brien while he was an assistant in New England. In fact, Hoyer was the back up to starting quarterback Tom Brady for two seasons, until the team drafted Mallett.
"“Hoyer played well out of the gate for the Browns last season before melting down over his final five starts in Cleveland. He’s been open about his desire to sign with a squad that will give him a chance to start. Houston is one of the few landing spots that offer that potential opportunity.” – Sessler"
Hoyer’s time in Cleveland was surrounding with a lot of drama and low points. As seems to be the case for many guys who line up behind center for the Browns.
In 2013 Hoyer got off to a hot start after being inserted into the starting lineup. The team was winning and responding well to his leadership and competitive fire. After playing just three games he tore his ACL and was out for the remainder of the season.
In typical Cleveland fashion they couldn’t make up their mind about Hoyer and moved up in the first round to pick Johnny Manziel, the polarizing rookie out of Texas A&M. Again, the team had no idea who to play and refused to name a starter late into the preseason.
Hoyer finally got the call, but had to deal with calls for his ouster with every incomplete pass. When Manziel did play, it was easy to see Hoyer was the better choice of the two.
He finished the 2014 season with 3,326 yards and only 12 touchdowns to 13 interceptions. Not impressive numbers, but his main targets at receiver were a Dallas Cowboys cast off in Miles Austin and a guy who lost at a reality show in Andrew Hawkins.
Hoyer may actually be a much better player than what he showed in Cleveland. Others who played there, like tight end Jordan Cameron, reportedly claimed the place is a “mess” and said how they can’t wait to leave.
A fresh start may be exactly what Brian Hoyer needs. Working with a former coach in Bill O’Brien would be an added benefit since the two would already know how to work with one another.