Will Brian Hoyer Start Next Season?
Besides “When will Spring actually start?”, the big question in Cleveland is “Who will be the Cleveland Browns starting quarterback for the upcoming season?” That question seems to be more of a worry than the bipolar nature of Cleveland weather. The devoted Browns fans are itching to see who Ray Farmer and company will select in the 2014 NFL Draft in New York City. Names such as Johnny Manziel, Blake Bortles, Teddy Bridgewater, Sammy Watkins, Derrick Carr, and others.
Former Houston Texans quarterback, Matt Schaub was rumored to be the next quarterback of the youthful franchise after the release of Brandon Weeden and Jason Campbell were both released. As of now, all three quarterbacks, Schaub, Weeden and Campbell are with different teams. Schaub will try and have a better year than he did with Houston as he signed with the Oakland Raiders for their sixth round draft pick. Former Browns starting quarterback, Brandon Weeden will not be missed in Cleveland as he heads to the Dallas Cowboys. Jason Campbell who attempted but failed to revive the struggling Cleveland Browns offense has signed with AFC North rivals, Cincinnati Bengals.
The only two on the 2013 roster in the quarterback position is Brian Hoyer, and Alex Tanney Yeah, I never heard of him either. . Hoyer led the Cleveland Browns to four straight victories until he was injured and forced to sit out the rest of the season. It is clear that Hoyer wants to be the starter and franchise quarterback for the season to come. Former Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator and Browns new head coach, Mike Pettine stated that Hoyer has “proven himself as a starter even though the sample size” is small. It does not take a genius to figure out that Mike Pettine and the Browns Organization isn’t really sold on giving Hoyer the starting job for the 2014 NFL season. They know this, and Hoyer knows this as well.
In other news, there have been reports via Around The League writer, Marc Sessler that the Browns may also be looking at former 1st round draft pick, Mark Sanchez. Pettine says that the team will “discuss” the possibility of signing Sanchez who lost his job with the New York Jets to Michael Vick. Pettine has also expressed interest in drafting one or more quarterback in the 2014 NFL Draft. With Hoyer already in position, he will have his work cut out for him if the Browns decide to beef up the position by adding more quarterbacks to the roster.
Despite the desperate need for a quarterback in my and majority of the die hard Browns fans’ opinion, owner, Jimmy Haslam stated that he didnt think that the Browns were “compelled to pick a quarterback at No. 4.” I will be the first to call the billionaire’s bluff. Haslam has become notorious in bluffing in front of the media. He certainly knows that this team needs a new and improved quarterback. New general manager, Ray Farmer has said that he feels comfortable with Brian Hoyer being the season starter. What the organization is doing is setting a smokescreen. Farmer also revealed that he will not attend Johnny Manziel’s Pro Day workout on Friday. Why? It will conflict with his schedule. One word: SMOKESCREEN! They are still interested in Manziel without a doubt. Farmer concluded that Pro Day workouts do not tell you anything.
The organization is really uncertain as far as Hoyer’s performance goes. He has only had four starts, and in each of those four starts, he has done exceptionally well. In my opinion, there is no way that the Browns will let Hoyer start this season. He may be second string, at best, but to start him would be a mistake. I can see if Hoyer led the Browns to a winning season and at least a Wild Card. Then, I can see his petition to become the starter. Everybody is uncertain with Hoyer. Can you blame them?
I am not saying he is not a great quarterback, but what I am saying is that he has to prove himself…and that can be pretty hard when you have to compete with one of the three top college quarterbacks in the country.
In the CBS Sports Mock Draft, it seems as though the Cleveland Browns may select either Johnny Manziel or Teddy Bridgewater with Derek Carr going to the Houston Texans. Pettine called Louisville star quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater, “extremely accurate, cerebral” and “NFL ready.”
It will certainly be a sight to see when May 8th comes, and the Cleveland Browns are on the clock.
“With the fourth pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns select……”
Cleveland Sports Talk writer,
Briyant Hines
@CST_SportSnitch
