Patriots roster taking shape
By Karen GuregianMonday, August 31, 2009 -
By Saturday, Patriot’s coach Bill Belichick will have pared his roster down to the required 53 players in preparation for the opening week of the season. Tomorrow marks his first NFL-mandated cut, as he trims to 75. With that in mind, let’s pretend to be wearing the hoodie, and break it down by position, projecting who’s likely to be left standing and holding a job when the dust settles at week’s end.
QUARTERBACK
NO BRAINER: Reconstructed knee and banged up throwing shoulder won’t stop Tom Brady [stats] from being the main man among this crew. Questions still will linger about the knee, and perhaps the shoulder, heading into the season.
KEY STORYLINE: Who knew finding another Matt Cassel would be such a chore? After three preseason games, Kevin O’Connell failed to seize the day as the No. 2 behind Brady and was waived yesterday. Andrew Walter hasn’t gotten enough reps to seize much of anything, while rookie Brian Hoyer has challenged the rear. Don’t be surprised if the Pats add another veteran to the mix.
NICE TRY, BUT: O’Connell struggled throughout training camp and the preseason, his most recent performance Friday night (2-for-9, two interceptions) inspiring little confidence. With the addition of veteran Walter, the signs were there if he didn’t improve, he might not survive.
WHO MAKES THE CUT? Brady, Walter, Hoyer
Monday, August 31, 2009
More news
Report: Pats release O’Connell
08.30.09 at 4:09 pm ET
By Christopher Price 2 Comments
O'Connell was taken in the third round of the 2008 draft by the Patriots out of San Diego State.
The Patriots have informed backup quarterback Kevin O’Connell he has been released, according to multiple reports.
The second-year signal-caller out of San Diego State had played in two regular-season games with the Patriots, going 4-for-6 for 23 yards.
With the return of Tom Brady and the offseason trade of Matt Cassel to Kansas City, it was believed that O’Connell had the inside track on the backup quarterback job at the start of training camp. A third-round pick in the 2008 draft, the 6-foot-5, 230-pound O’Connell appeared to be solidly entrenched as the No. 2 throughout the spring practices.
But the 24-year-old has been tremendously underwhelming over the course of the preseason, going 12-for-26 for 108 yards and two interceptions for a quarterback rating of 25.8. (His best series came in the second preseason game against the Bengals — right before the end of the first half, he helped engineer a two-minute drive that got the Patriots within field-goal range.) On Friday night against Washington, he was 3-for-10 for 18 yards and two interceptions.
Barring a trade or the pickup of a veteran backup — something the Patriots have done in the past — it now appears that veteran Andrew Walter moves into the clear No. 2 position behind Brady. Walter was signed as a free agent by New England on Aug. 3. A 6-foot-6, 230-pounder, he spent the last four seasons with Oakland after joining the Raiders as a third-round pick out of Arizona State in 2005. Over the course of the 2009 preseason, Walter has gone 5-for-9 for 62 yards.
Earlier this month, Patriots coach Bill Belichick was asked about Walter’s progression within the New England system.
“Andrew gets a little bit better each day,” Belichick said. “[He’s] a talented kid, good arm, accurate with the ball, getting used to our offense.
“A lot of the things we do [are] a little bit different from what he did out in Oakland, but he’s had experience in the spread offense from Arizona State. So it’s not like he hasn’t done it before, but not as much recently. He’s coming along and working hard at it. I think he’s more comfortable in the huddle each day, so that’s good.”
In addition, the Patriots have rookie Brian Hoyer, who appears to be slotted at No. 3 on the depth chart for the moment. Hoyer, an undrafted free-agent out of Michigan State, has gone 11-for-19 for 112 yards this preseason.
08.30.09 at 4:09 pm ET
By Christopher Price 2 Comments
O'Connell was taken in the third round of the 2008 draft by the Patriots out of San Diego State.
The Patriots have informed backup quarterback Kevin O’Connell he has been released, according to multiple reports.
The second-year signal-caller out of San Diego State had played in two regular-season games with the Patriots, going 4-for-6 for 23 yards.
With the return of Tom Brady and the offseason trade of Matt Cassel to Kansas City, it was believed that O’Connell had the inside track on the backup quarterback job at the start of training camp. A third-round pick in the 2008 draft, the 6-foot-5, 230-pound O’Connell appeared to be solidly entrenched as the No. 2 throughout the spring practices.
But the 24-year-old has been tremendously underwhelming over the course of the preseason, going 12-for-26 for 108 yards and two interceptions for a quarterback rating of 25.8. (His best series came in the second preseason game against the Bengals — right before the end of the first half, he helped engineer a two-minute drive that got the Patriots within field-goal range.) On Friday night against Washington, he was 3-for-10 for 18 yards and two interceptions.
Barring a trade or the pickup of a veteran backup — something the Patriots have done in the past — it now appears that veteran Andrew Walter moves into the clear No. 2 position behind Brady. Walter was signed as a free agent by New England on Aug. 3. A 6-foot-6, 230-pounder, he spent the last four seasons with Oakland after joining the Raiders as a third-round pick out of Arizona State in 2005. Over the course of the 2009 preseason, Walter has gone 5-for-9 for 62 yards.
Earlier this month, Patriots coach Bill Belichick was asked about Walter’s progression within the New England system.
“Andrew gets a little bit better each day,” Belichick said. “[He’s] a talented kid, good arm, accurate with the ball, getting used to our offense.
“A lot of the things we do [are] a little bit different from what he did out in Oakland, but he’s had experience in the spread offense from Arizona State. So it’s not like he hasn’t done it before, but not as much recently. He’s coming along and working hard at it. I think he’s more comfortable in the huddle each day, so that’s good.”
In addition, the Patriots have rookie Brian Hoyer, who appears to be slotted at No. 3 on the depth chart for the moment. Hoyer, an undrafted free-agent out of Michigan State, has gone 11-for-19 for 112 yards this preseason.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Impact ON Brian Hoyer - O'Connell
Reports: Pats release QB O'Connell7:22 PM Sun, Aug 30, 2009 PermalinkBy Shalise Manza Young Email this author Email this entry
According to both Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe and John Clayton of ESPN, the Patriots have informed second-year QB Kevin O'Connell that he will be released.
The move is quite surprising -- O'Connell was initially slated to be Tom Brady's primary backup this year, and the team spent a third-round draft pick on him just last year. But there were indications that O'Connell was more of a pet project for former New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, now with Denver, who went to California to work out the former San Diego State standout during the pre-draft process.
O'Connell certainly looked the part at 6-foot-5, 225 pounds, but he visibly struggled throughout training camp and (to put it kindly) turned in a less-than-stellar performance Friday night against the Redskins, when he was intercepted twice.
What this means remains to be seen. At the moment, it certainly looks like a good sign for Andrew Walter, the former Raider who was signed a few days into camp after being released by Oakland, and undrafted rookie Brian Hoyer.
However, those two players don't have much time in the Patriots' system, and Matt Cassel and Matt Gutierrez, the most recent understudies to Brady, are now both with Kansas City.
The good news for O'Connell is that he likely won't be twisting in the wind for long: it would be surprising for him to not get picked up by Denver.
According to both Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe and John Clayton of ESPN, the Patriots have informed second-year QB Kevin O'Connell that he will be released.
The move is quite surprising -- O'Connell was initially slated to be Tom Brady's primary backup this year, and the team spent a third-round draft pick on him just last year. But there were indications that O'Connell was more of a pet project for former New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, now with Denver, who went to California to work out the former San Diego State standout during the pre-draft process.
O'Connell certainly looked the part at 6-foot-5, 225 pounds, but he visibly struggled throughout training camp and (to put it kindly) turned in a less-than-stellar performance Friday night against the Redskins, when he was intercepted twice.
What this means remains to be seen. At the moment, it certainly looks like a good sign for Andrew Walter, the former Raider who was signed a few days into camp after being released by Oakland, and undrafted rookie Brian Hoyer.
However, those two players don't have much time in the Patriots' system, and Matt Cassel and Matt Gutierrez, the most recent understudies to Brady, are now both with Kansas City.
The good news for O'Connell is that he likely won't be twisting in the wind for long: it would be surprising for him to not get picked up by Denver.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Professional Debut and comments from Boston Media
Well it finally happened - playing professionally - at least 1 game
As it occurred (actually last week in Philadelphia) I thought of the many passes thrown in the backyard, the countless practices and games....and well for a night for sure (as we await the final roster decisions) Brian Hoyer was the Quarterback of the New England Patriots!Here are the highlights - and a couple of hits!
From Boston Globe
QB Brian Hoyer saw extended action.
From edinFoxboro: What are your thoughts on how Brian Hoyer managed his drives?I was impressed. He showed good quickness to get out of the pocket, keeping some plays alive with his feet, while finishing 11 of 19 for 112 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. I thought he improved his standing on the team, giving himself a better chance than he had before the game to earn a roster spot.
From the Boston Herald
Brian Hoyer: Hoyer made his case to be the number three quarterback by playing as if he should be the number two quarterback. He didn’t have tremendous numbers (11 of 19 for 112 yards) but he played smart, made a few good plays, and didn’t turn the ball over.
FROM WEEI.COM
Situational Play for Hoyer
As for Hoyer, he had his chance in the fourth quarter when he took over with the ball on the Patriots’ five-yard line. He maneuvered the New England offense down to the Cincinnati 12 before BenJarvus Green-Ellis fumbled the football, essentially ending the game. He finished 11-for-19 for 112 yards, no TDs, no INTs and two sacks. Along the way, he showed good decision-making most of the time, avoiding negative plays and threw the ball away when he needed to, with his finest moment of the night coming when he displayed nice touch on a short pass to Terrence Nunn after being flushed out of the pocket, a play Nunn took for 26 yards.Projecting the 53, Part II
LinkComments (54) Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff August 22, 2009 08:45 AM
After two preseason games, an updated projection at how the Patriots' 53-man roster might look for the season-opener:
Quarterback (3): Brady, O’Connell, WalterQuick hit: Rookie Brian Hoyer is making the decision on backups a bit tougher; O’Connell will get more time to prove himself. (no changes)
HOYER'S GAME DEBUT
Patriots QB Brian Hoyer, an undrafted free agent out of Michigan State, completed 3 of 7 passes for 18 yards while leading New England to the Bengals 39 before a penalty shortcircuited the opening drive of the second half.
The Patriots punted and Cincinnati takes over at its own 12.
HOYER HIT HARD
Rookie QB Brian Hoyer endured a monster hit from Bengals safety Tom Nelson -- remarkably hanging onto the ball on the blindside hit -- but the loss forced the Patriots to punt. The Bengals have the ball at their own 10 with little more than 12 minutes to go.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
From ESPN
August 21, 2009 8:05 AM
Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Graham
The Cincinnati Bengals edged the New England Patriots 7-6 in a ragged exhibition Thursday night at Gillette Stadium.
Kevin O'Connell was the No. 2 quarterback. Last week's middle reliever, Andrew Walter, had the night off. O'Connell was a ho-hum 8 of 15 for 84 yards. Undrafted rookie Brian Hoyer made his NFL debut and looked better than some veteran depth quarterbacks you may have seen this month. Hoyer was 11 of 19 for 112 yards and absorbed two jarring sacks.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Game Broadcast on the Internet
Check this website for the possibility of listening to the game on the Internet
http://www.freefootballradio.com/Newengland.html
http://www.freefootballradio.com/Newengland.html
From WEEI Radio
Maybe it was just me, but Brady seemed not to get a whole lot of reps this afternoon. I wouldn’t be surprised if he ended up playing less Thursday night against Cincinnati than he did in the preseason opener against Philadelphia.
Nothing alarming — no injury concerns or anything like that, but Kevin O’Connell, Brian Hoyer and Andrew Walter seemed to spend a lot of time this afternoon with the No. 1 offense.
While much of that was going on, Brady was off on the second practice field, working alone with Moss, Wes Welker and Joey Galloway. After what appeared to be an initial stumble on the part of Galloway, the two seemed to make a few nice deep connections. It was fascinating to watch the quarterback and the receivers work together.
Nothing alarming — no injury concerns or anything like that, but Kevin O’Connell, Brian Hoyer and Andrew Walter seemed to spend a lot of time this afternoon with the No. 1 offense.
While much of that was going on, Brady was off on the second practice field, working alone with Moss, Wes Welker and Joey Galloway. After what appeared to be an initial stumble on the part of Galloway, the two seemed to make a few nice deep connections. It was fascinating to watch the quarterback and the receivers work together.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Play of the Day - Hoyer to MOSS ...TD
Play of the Day: Hoyer to Moss TDRookie QB Brian Hoyer hooked up with WR Randy Moss on a deep post during team O vs. team D. Moss beat Rogers, who was playing corner most of the afternoon.
Monday, August 17, 2009
From WEEI Radio
•In passing drills, Kevin O’Connell spent a lot of time working with Tom Brady, while veteran Andrew Walter was working with rookie Brian Hoyer. Hoyer had a nice moment when he rolled out and found Terrence Nunn on a nice connection. Later on in the morning, Walter hit Julian Edelman on a nice crossing pattern over the middle. And my new camp binky Sam Aiken made a nice grab of a Brady pass. (Brady and Joey Galloway later just missed on a deep ball down the middle later on when Brady overshot the veteran wide receiver.)
•One of the highlights of the session came on a Hoyer pass for Nunn down the sidelines. A deep ball, the pass was caught, but was likely reviewable if it was a game situation. (For his part, safety James Sanders — who was in coverage — made no secret about the fact that he believed it was out of bounds.) If it was in bounds, it was a heckuva catch, one of the best in camp thus far.
•One of the highlights of the session came on a Hoyer pass for Nunn down the sidelines. A deep ball, the pass was caught, but was likely reviewable if it was a game situation. (For his part, safety James Sanders — who was in coverage — made no secret about the fact that he believed it was out of bounds.) If it was in bounds, it was a heckuva catch, one of the best in camp thus far.
This Morning
5) Terrence Nunn dazzles on long pass. It might have been out of bounds, but regardless, rookie wide receiver Terrence Nunn turned in the best catch that I’ve seen to this point in training camp. It came in 11 on 11 drills, with Nunn sprinting down the left sideline, with Leigh Bodden in coverage and safety James Sanders providing help. Quarterback Brian Hoyer lofted a beautiful pass and Nunn went into a full-out dive to catch it right before it hit the ground.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Life in the NFL
Well it's not the Days Inn when Brian and I went to baseball camp
http://www.loewshotels.com/en/Hotels/Philadelphia-Hotel/Overview.aspx
ON the way to Philadelphia for first game in professional uniform!
http://www.loewshotels.com/en/Hotels/Philadelphia-Hotel/Overview.aspx
ON the way to Philadelphia for first game in professional uniform!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Brief Commentary today
"COmments on recently acquired QB Andrew Walter
He’s certainly getting his share of reps, Craig, both with the scout teams and the regular units.
He just hasn’t been here long enough for any of us to offer a fair assessment of his play. I think he’s still in the “grasping-the-offense” mode right now. T
here’s potential there … it’s just too soon to tell if he’ll stick on the 53-man roster.
Rookie Brian Hoyer is making this quite the position battle!"
Hmmm maybe some good impressions....are being made.
He’s certainly getting his share of reps, Craig, both with the scout teams and the regular units.
He just hasn’t been here long enough for any of us to offer a fair assessment of his play. I think he’s still in the “grasping-the-offense” mode right now. T
here’s potential there … it’s just too soon to tell if he’ll stick on the 53-man roster.
Rookie Brian Hoyer is making this quite the position battle!"
Hmmm maybe some good impressions....are being made.
Little Brother at work at St. Ignatius
Little Brother at work
Matt Hoyer - Sophmore QB at St. Ignatius showing up on TV.
Video reports from last week
Video: QBs prepare for 2009
Patriots quarterbacks Kevin O'Connell and Brian Hoyer spent time last week talking with the media about their preparations for the 2009 season.
The addition of veteran quarterback Andrew Walter (and release of Matt Gutierrez) added a bit of spice to the competition at quarterback -- at least to how the depth chart will shake down behind a healthy Tom Brady -- but O'Connell and Hoyer suggested they were simply focused on being prepared and getting better on a daily basis.
"I don’t feel threatened," said O’Connell. "It’s just a competition thing. I’m going to compete and see where that takes me. It’s just a matter of doing the best I can and continuing to learn and grow as a young player and do whatever I can to be successful."
Patriots quarterbacks Kevin O'Connell and Brian Hoyer spent time last week talking with the media about their preparations for the 2009 season.
The addition of veteran quarterback Andrew Walter (and release of Matt Gutierrez) added a bit of spice to the competition at quarterback -- at least to how the depth chart will shake down behind a healthy Tom Brady -- but O'Connell and Hoyer suggested they were simply focused on being prepared and getting better on a daily basis.
"I don’t feel threatened," said O’Connell. "It’s just a competition thing. I’m going to compete and see where that takes me. It’s just a matter of doing the best I can and continuing to learn and grow as a young player and do whatever I can to be successful."
Saturday, August 8, 2009
HOYER FINDS A MENTOR and ROLE MODEL in TOM BRADY
Hoyer finds a mentor and role model in Tom Brady
06:29 PM EDT on Friday, August 7, 2009
By ROBERT LEEJournal Sports Writer
Rookie quarterback Brian Hoyer gets some tips from Tom Brady as training camp opens on July 30.
Journal photo / Mary Murphy
FOXBORO – It was only a few short months ago that Brian Hoyer’s dreams of playing in the NFL looked bleak.
He watched the draft intently, waiting for his name to be called. But round after round, it wasn’t. And when it was all over, he was not chosen.
His disappointment didn’t last for long, however. Four days after the draft ended, he was signed by the Patriots.
As far as he is concerned, he couldn’t be in a better situation to develop into a pro quarterback. While he knows that his best chance to make the Patriots team is probably on the practice squad, he is soaking up everything he can from the quarterback he considers to be the best in the game today: Tom Brady.
“To come in and just see how he approaches and how he thinks about things, and then to come out and watch him practice has really helped me out,” Hoyer said. “It is hard enough as it is, but when you have a guy who is as experienced as he is, who knows the [playbook] like the back of his hand, and you just see the way he goes through his progression and you see how he affects people with his eyes, it has really helped. You just have to try to emulate that.”
Hoyer said that Brady has taken him under his wing and given him valuable advice during training camp.
“I try not to annoy him,” Hoyer said, “but for a guy who has so much knowledge in football and about this offense, if I have a question, I don’t hesitate to ask him. But a lot of times I can learn just by watching him and seeing the way he moves in the pocket. His footwork, the fact that he knows this offense like the back of his hand, it is impressive to watch. It is good to try to emulate him and try to be like him.
“For a guy to have the success that he’s had in this offense, I try to do everything he does.”
Hoyer’s long-term goal in the NFL is to become an All-Pro quarterback like Brady.
“For me, watching Tom, and seeing how fluid he is in the offense, how comfortable he is ... that’s what I want to strive to be,” said Hoyer. “It might take 10 years to get there, but that’s what I’m striving for.”
But Hoyer is realistic. He knows he won’t be a starting quarterback in the NFL any time soon. But he is quick to point out that former Patriots quarterback Matt Cassel went from a seventh-round draft pick to a starter in four seasons.
“This is a complex system for a rookie quarterback to come in and do it,” Hoyer said. “I’ve got a long ways to go. I’m getting a little more comfortable, but you look at the guy who has been in the system for 10 years and how great he runs it, you just have to aspire to get to that level, even if it takes you 10 years to get there. It’s something that is a challenge and you just want to go out and get better each practice. It is a lot of hard work, but you have to do it. That’s my job on this team, to try to become the best quarterback I can be and be ready for whatever situation is thrown my way.”
Hoyer isn’t bitter about the Patriots’ recent signing of Andrew Walter, which presumably moves Hoyer down on the depth chart.
“You learn quick that it is definitely a business,” Hoyer said. “It’s something that I can’t control. I can control what I can do out there, and that’s doing my job and getting better and just trying to get better every practice by [studying] the playbook and watching the film. Those are the things that I can control, so you just move right along and keep progressing.”
Hoyer has had a few highs and lows at training camp so far, and the fourth day of double-sessions was a perfect microcosm of that. On Tuesday he fumbled a snap with center Russ Hochstein and both players had to take a lap. He later redeemed himself when he connected with Joey Galloway in the end zone for a two-point conversion that forced the entire defense to take a lap.
“It was important, but it was just one play at the end of practice,” he said. “It is a competitive drill, so you want to succeed. You’ve got to come out in the afternoon, and it’s a brand-new practice. You just have to keep getting better and hang in there. It is good for that five minutes to celebrate, but you have to move on and focus on the next practice.”
Hoyer is getting more and more reps in practice to prepare him for New England’s first preseason game. He is getting more comfortable running the offense with the more reps that he is getting.
“The more reps you get helps and so does watching film, but I want to just keep getting better every day,” Hoyer said.
Hoyer spent five years at Michigan State and started the last 27 games of his career for the Spartans, posting a 16-11 record. He threw for 2,404 yards and nine touchdowns as a fifth-year senior, and as a result was named as an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection by the coaches and media.
He finished his career at MSU ranked second all-time in pass attempts (896), third in passing yards (6,159), third in pass completions (500), sixth in touchdown passes (35) and 10th in completion percentage (.559).
Friday, August 7, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
From ESPN 8/6/09
Observation deck
Belichick has been turning over the roster since camp began a week ago. The most interesting moves have occurred at backup quarterback, where Belichick obviously isn't happy. Third-stringer Matt Gutierrez was cut and former Oakland Raider Andrew Walter brought in to compete with last year's third-round draft pick, Kevin O'Connell, who seems to have lost reps to undrafted rookie Brian Hoyer.
Belichick has been turning over the roster since camp began a week ago. The most interesting moves have occurred at backup quarterback, where Belichick obviously isn't happy. Third-stringer Matt Gutierrez was cut and former Oakland Raider Andrew Walter brought in to compete with last year's third-round draft pick, Kevin O'Connell, who seems to have lost reps to undrafted rookie Brian Hoyer.
August 6 Practice Notes
During pre-practice work Brady and Andrew Walter broke off to one field for a drill with Bill O’Brien, while Kevin O’Connell and Brian Hoyer worked with the running backs and tight ends on the other field.
–Bill Belichick was an active participant in one offense drill, helping the QBs work on their footwork. Belichick would roll, or even overhand throw, a weight medicine ball at the passers as they dropped back to throw and went through their reads. O’Connell and Hoyer were the QBs, both looking smooth avoiding the ball.
–Bill Belichick was an active participant in one offense drill, helping the QBs work on their footwork. Belichick would roll, or even overhand throw, a weight medicine ball at the passers as they dropped back to throw and went through their reads. O’Connell and Hoyer were the QBs, both looking smooth avoiding the ball.
Hoyer learning the Playbook
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Throw-in
Undrafted Patriots QB has his day
By Rich Garven TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFFmailto:STAFFrgarven@telegram.com
FOXBORO — The Patriots are six days into training camp and it seems a different quarterback’s name has popped up each day. There was, obviously, Tom Brady and, unexpectedly, Michael Vick and Cleo Lemon. On Monday, the Patriots released Matt Gutierrez and signed former Oakland Raider Andrew Walter, ostensibly to light a fire under Brady’s backup, Kevin O’Connell. About the only quarterback not mentioned around here was undrafted rookie Brian Hoyer.
Throw-in
Undrafted Patriots QB has his day
By Rich Garven TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFFmailto:STAFFrgarven@telegram.com
FOXBORO — The Patriots are six days into training camp and it seems a different quarterback’s name has popped up each day. There was, obviously, Tom Brady and, unexpectedly, Michael Vick and Cleo Lemon. On Monday, the Patriots released Matt Gutierrez and signed former Oakland Raider Andrew Walter, ostensibly to light a fire under Brady’s backup, Kevin O’Connell. About the only quarterback not mentioned around here was undrafted rookie Brian Hoyer.
That changed yesterday. Hoyer, fourth on the unofficial depth chart, got quite a bit of work with the first offense during the morning session. Things were not, however, working out well. Hoyer overthrew Wes Welker and underthrew Chris Baker on a couple of tosses to the end zone. He also ran a penalty lap with center Russ Hochstein after a bad snap exchange. “I think the way (quarterbacks) coach (Bill) O’Brien tells it is, you can’t have a bad practice,” Hoyer said. “You might have a bad play here or there, but you have to bounce back.”
Hoyer rebounded in a big way on the final play of practice, successfully threading a conversion pass to a rolling Joey Galloway. It would have been worth two points in a real game; on this day, it scored Hoyer a zillion points in goodwill with his teammates.
The entire offense immediately burst into celebration while the blue-shirted and red-faced defense — coaches included — set off on a jog around the practice field as punishment for failing to hold its ground. “Sometimes you lose sight of it in camp where it’s drill after drill,” Hoyer said. “But (when) you put something on the line — whoever loses is running — it means something, and to come out on top is always good.” Then he wisely and quickly put the play in perspective.
“It’s important (confidence-wise), but it’s just one play at the end of practice,” Hoyer said. “It’s a competitive drill so you want to succeed, but you have to come out here in the afternoon and it’s another practice. So it’s good for that five minutes to celebrate, but you move on.”
Hoyer showed he could move a team in college, passing for 2,404 yards and nine touchdowns as a senior while leading Michigan State to a 9-4 record. He finished his collegiate career ranked second in attempts (896), third in completions (500) and sixth in TD passes (35).
None of that was enough to make Hoyer one of the 11 quarterbacks drafted. Still, some eight teams inquired about his services once the 256th and final choice had been made. The Patriots were one of the first on the phone. That pretty much put an end to the process as far as Hoyer was concerned. “You look at what they’ve done, especially with quarterbacks taken in later rounds or not drafted,” he said. “You come into this system and you learn, and you learn the right way. It’s hard. It’s really hard to get this stuff, especially at the beginning. You just have to keep working at it.”
Hoyer seems to have the tools to do the job. He has decent size at 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, is extremely athletic — he pitched his high school baseball team, St. Ignatius of Cleveland, to a state title and drew serious attention from pro scouts — and has been cited by coach Bill Belichick for his productivity in college.
The transition to the pros has been daunting nonetheless, Hoyer admitted. What he has tried to do is focus on the daily tasks at hand while keeping an eye peeled for the way Brady and the other QBs conduct their business. “You watch the film, get in the playbook, and just do the best you can,” Hoyer said.
“Do your job. If you try to do too much stuff, it can be a little overwhelming, so I just try to go out there and take care of what I can take care of.”
Hoyer comes across as someone not only willing to learn, but capable of doing it. So what’s it like trying to keep pace on the field and in the film room with Brady, one of the game’s all-time greats?
Well, as expected, it isn’t easy.
Hoyer, though, not only welcomes the challenge, he relishes it.
“It’s really advanced, but that’s the thing — I’m not just trying to play and be an average quarterback,” he said. “I want to try to play up to (Brady’s) level. If you just try to follow his lead and do what he does, I think you’re pointed in the right direction.”
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
August 5 Morning Practice
–Practice ended in mock controversy with the two sides once again battling on one last play with a lap on the line. Brian Hoyer found Randy Moss across the back of the end zone for the score on the play. But somehow, the offense ended up running a lap, although Brady and Co. ran with their hands in the air in celebration, turning it into more of a victory lap than a punishment lap. Moss did kick the ball into the air and the stands after the catch, possibly earning a penalty and the lap. After practice Light seemed confused about why the offense had to run despite scoring for the second straight day, blaming it on a bad call by an official, one who looked curiously like Bill Belichick.
Hoyer Hoping to Follow Brady's Path
PATRIOTS NOTEBOOK: Hoyer hoping to follow Brady's path
By Andy Vogt/Daily News staff
MetroWest Daily News
Posted Aug 04, 2009 @ 10:56 PM
FOXBORO —
Some players in training camp set simple goals from day to day. Brian Hoyer is thinking more long-term.``For me, watching Tom (Brady), and seeing how fluid he is in the offense, how comfortable he is ... that's what I want to strive to be,'' said Hoyer, an undrafted quarterback out of Michigan State.
``It might take 10 years to get there, but that's what I'm striving for.''Hoyer saw considerable action during yesterday's fourth day of double sessions at Gillette Stadium, including a good number of reps with Randy Moss and the rest of New England's top threats.
The final half hour of the morning session was a nice microcosm of the highs and lows of a rookie finding his comfort level. After fumbling a center exchange with Russ Hochstein, both players had to take a lap around the adjacent practice field. But Hoyer rebounded on the final play of practice to end on a good note. With the offense given one chance to score on a two-point conversion, Hoyer connected with Joey Galloway in the end zone, setting off a joyful celebration and forcing the defense into a post-practice jog.
``As athletes, we're competitive, so you never want to lose,'' Hoyer said. ``To do that and send the defense running, it was good.But it's just one play after practice,'' he added. ``You've got to come out in the afternoon, and it's a brand-new practice.''
Hoyer also said that rebounding from some of the disasters like the fumbled snap has been eased, thanks to some advice from quarterbacks coach Bill O'Brien.``You can't have a bad practice,'' Hoyer said. ``You might have a bad play here or there, but you've got to bounce back.''
Hoyer also briefly commented on the arrival of Andrew Walter, his newest competition for a roster spot now that Matt Gutierrez has been released (Walter did not speak to reporters following his first practice with the Patriots.)``You learn pretty quickly that it's a cutthroat business,'' he said. ``
That's something that I can't control. I can only control what I do out there, and that's doing my job, getting into the playbook and watching film.''
By Andy Vogt/Daily News staff
MetroWest Daily News
Posted Aug 04, 2009 @ 10:56 PM
FOXBORO —
Some players in training camp set simple goals from day to day. Brian Hoyer is thinking more long-term.``For me, watching Tom (Brady), and seeing how fluid he is in the offense, how comfortable he is ... that's what I want to strive to be,'' said Hoyer, an undrafted quarterback out of Michigan State.
``It might take 10 years to get there, but that's what I'm striving for.''Hoyer saw considerable action during yesterday's fourth day of double sessions at Gillette Stadium, including a good number of reps with Randy Moss and the rest of New England's top threats.
The final half hour of the morning session was a nice microcosm of the highs and lows of a rookie finding his comfort level. After fumbling a center exchange with Russ Hochstein, both players had to take a lap around the adjacent practice field. But Hoyer rebounded on the final play of practice to end on a good note. With the offense given one chance to score on a two-point conversion, Hoyer connected with Joey Galloway in the end zone, setting off a joyful celebration and forcing the defense into a post-practice jog.
``As athletes, we're competitive, so you never want to lose,'' Hoyer said. ``To do that and send the defense running, it was good.But it's just one play after practice,'' he added. ``You've got to come out in the afternoon, and it's a brand-new practice.''
Hoyer also said that rebounding from some of the disasters like the fumbled snap has been eased, thanks to some advice from quarterbacks coach Bill O'Brien.``You can't have a bad practice,'' Hoyer said. ``You might have a bad play here or there, but you've got to bounce back.''
Hoyer also briefly commented on the arrival of Andrew Walter, his newest competition for a roster spot now that Matt Gutierrez has been released (Walter did not speak to reporters following his first practice with the Patriots.)``You learn pretty quickly that it's a cutthroat business,'' he said. ``
That's something that I can't control. I can only control what I do out there, and that's doing my job, getting into the playbook and watching film.''
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
FRom PATRIOTS.COM - Tuesday Morning
VIDEO TO COME
Walter on board; Tuesday morning notes
By Paul Perillo, Patriots Football Weekly
The Patriots made a move at quarterback Monday night, but it wasn't involving any of the passers rumored to be coming in. Andrew Walter, the former Oakland Raider, replaced Matt Gutierrez on the team's depth chart instead.
Michael Vick?
Nope.
Cleo Lemon?
Try again.
How about Andrew Walter?
We have a winner, tell him what he’s won, Johnny!
Well, that all depends on your perspective. For the Patriots, Walter enters into the mix for one of the backup quarterback spots, most likely with rookie Brian Hoyer for the No. 3 job behind incumbent backup Kevin O’Connell.
For Matt Gutierrez, however, the situation is much bleaker. Gutierrez, who was trying to stick around for a third year, was released to make room for Walter – marking the second straight summer the Patriots have let him go. Last year he was given a reprieve when Tom Brady went down for the season in the opener, but the Patriots certainly hope no such measures are needed this time around.
For Walter, who suited up for the morning practice and received a surprising amount of reps considering his recent arrival, it means another opportunity. He and Hoyer split time behind Brady as O’Connell didn’t get many looks. Despite some understandable rust, he handled himself reasonably well, misfiring on a couple of passes but hitting on his share as well. Walter went right from the practice field to the meeting rooms, politely turning down interview requests, most likely to further digest his new playbook.
For Hoyer, the transaction is likely good news. While there may be a perception that adding a fifth-year veteran quarterback has to be insurance for the backup position, there more likely camp battle is for the third spot behind O’Connell. If that’s the case, the former Michigan State quarterback couldn’t be happier.
“Definitely,” Hoyer said after Tuesday morning’s practice. “You just have to go at it and look at the opportunity that’s been given to me. To come in here and be able to sign, pick the team I wanted to go to, and to come to an organization like this where you can learn from the coaches – Coach Belichick, Tom Brady, Coach [Bill] O’Brien – I just have to try to keep getting better. The more I get to do out here, the more film I get to watch, the more meetings I’m in, the more I’m going to learn.”
Walter brings a rather unimpressive resume to Foxborough. The 6-6, 230-pound former Arizona State signal caller spent all four of his NFL seasons in Oakland after the Raiders used a third-round pick on him back in 2005. The bulk of his action came in 2006 when he started eight of 12 games, completing 147-of-276 passes for 1,677 yards and three touchdowns. Walter played in just three games over the past two years with one start. His career totals include just three touchdowns and 16 interceptions.
The bulk of his playing time in Oakland occurred when Randy Moss was a Raider, and the wideout wasn’t always the most supportive teammate for the young quarterback. Although Moss took part in a rare morning practice on Tuesday, he did not speak with the media following the workout. On one play, Walter badly overthrew Moss in the end zone during a drill.
Be our guest
Former Broncos coach Mike Shanahan, one of the few NFL coaches who has had Belichick’s number in recent years, was on the field and addressed the team briefly before practice. Shanahan has bounced around at a number of camps thus far this summer and he spoke with Belichick before practice and later chatted with Owner Robert Kraft.
Hit the road
Belichick likes to add pressure to the daily grind of training camp and he did so on Tuesday by setting up a competition late in practice. The offense lined up for a two-point conversion with simple consequences: convert and the defense runs a lap; fail and the offense goes.
Hoyer hooked up with Joey Galloway to spark a pretty spirited celebration by those in white jerseys. Meanwhile, Vince Wilfork looked none too please since he felt he had an easy sack on Hoyer but followed the protocol of camp and allowed the pass without hitting the quarterback. His protests fell on deaf ears, however, and the defense hit the road.
“It’s nice to have a competition out there … you’re playing for something,” Hoyer said. “You kind of lose sight of that when you’re in camp. It’s just drill after drill and team work after team work. When you put something on the line it makes it a little more competitive, a little more fun. To come out on top is always how you want to do it and it was fun to throw to Joey Galloway to get that two-point conversion.”
Who’s hot: Brian Hoyer – The undrafted rookie free agent quarterback has seen his workload increase in recent days and he’s dine well with them. While he doesn’t possess the strongest arm, his passes are generally accurate and arrive on time. Gutierrez’s release has to be perceived as a good sign for the former Spartan.
Who’s not: Paris Lenon – Lenon is a tackling machine so it might be tough on him during camp when players aren’t allowed to actually bring down the ball carrier, but the linebacker has had trouble getting off blocks in 9-on-7 drills and hasn’t made much of an impact early on.
Play of the day – The aforementioned two-point conversion play wasn’t the prettiest we’ve seen so far, but it was important. Hoyer made a nice through in traffic, and even though the ball was slightly behind Galloway, the veteran reached back and made a nice grab to create one of the first moments of emotion we’ve seen in camp.
Walter on board; Tuesday morning notes
By Paul Perillo, Patriots Football Weekly
The Patriots made a move at quarterback Monday night, but it wasn't involving any of the passers rumored to be coming in. Andrew Walter, the former Oakland Raider, replaced Matt Gutierrez on the team's depth chart instead.
Michael Vick?
Nope.
Cleo Lemon?
Try again.
How about Andrew Walter?
We have a winner, tell him what he’s won, Johnny!
Well, that all depends on your perspective. For the Patriots, Walter enters into the mix for one of the backup quarterback spots, most likely with rookie Brian Hoyer for the No. 3 job behind incumbent backup Kevin O’Connell.
For Matt Gutierrez, however, the situation is much bleaker. Gutierrez, who was trying to stick around for a third year, was released to make room for Walter – marking the second straight summer the Patriots have let him go. Last year he was given a reprieve when Tom Brady went down for the season in the opener, but the Patriots certainly hope no such measures are needed this time around.
For Walter, who suited up for the morning practice and received a surprising amount of reps considering his recent arrival, it means another opportunity. He and Hoyer split time behind Brady as O’Connell didn’t get many looks. Despite some understandable rust, he handled himself reasonably well, misfiring on a couple of passes but hitting on his share as well. Walter went right from the practice field to the meeting rooms, politely turning down interview requests, most likely to further digest his new playbook.
For Hoyer, the transaction is likely good news. While there may be a perception that adding a fifth-year veteran quarterback has to be insurance for the backup position, there more likely camp battle is for the third spot behind O’Connell. If that’s the case, the former Michigan State quarterback couldn’t be happier.
“Definitely,” Hoyer said after Tuesday morning’s practice. “You just have to go at it and look at the opportunity that’s been given to me. To come in here and be able to sign, pick the team I wanted to go to, and to come to an organization like this where you can learn from the coaches – Coach Belichick, Tom Brady, Coach [Bill] O’Brien – I just have to try to keep getting better. The more I get to do out here, the more film I get to watch, the more meetings I’m in, the more I’m going to learn.”
Walter brings a rather unimpressive resume to Foxborough. The 6-6, 230-pound former Arizona State signal caller spent all four of his NFL seasons in Oakland after the Raiders used a third-round pick on him back in 2005. The bulk of his action came in 2006 when he started eight of 12 games, completing 147-of-276 passes for 1,677 yards and three touchdowns. Walter played in just three games over the past two years with one start. His career totals include just three touchdowns and 16 interceptions.
The bulk of his playing time in Oakland occurred when Randy Moss was a Raider, and the wideout wasn’t always the most supportive teammate for the young quarterback. Although Moss took part in a rare morning practice on Tuesday, he did not speak with the media following the workout. On one play, Walter badly overthrew Moss in the end zone during a drill.
Be our guest
Former Broncos coach Mike Shanahan, one of the few NFL coaches who has had Belichick’s number in recent years, was on the field and addressed the team briefly before practice. Shanahan has bounced around at a number of camps thus far this summer and he spoke with Belichick before practice and later chatted with Owner Robert Kraft.
Hit the road
Belichick likes to add pressure to the daily grind of training camp and he did so on Tuesday by setting up a competition late in practice. The offense lined up for a two-point conversion with simple consequences: convert and the defense runs a lap; fail and the offense goes.
Hoyer hooked up with Joey Galloway to spark a pretty spirited celebration by those in white jerseys. Meanwhile, Vince Wilfork looked none too please since he felt he had an easy sack on Hoyer but followed the protocol of camp and allowed the pass without hitting the quarterback. His protests fell on deaf ears, however, and the defense hit the road.
“It’s nice to have a competition out there … you’re playing for something,” Hoyer said. “You kind of lose sight of that when you’re in camp. It’s just drill after drill and team work after team work. When you put something on the line it makes it a little more competitive, a little more fun. To come out on top is always how you want to do it and it was fun to throw to Joey Galloway to get that two-point conversion.”
Who’s hot: Brian Hoyer – The undrafted rookie free agent quarterback has seen his workload increase in recent days and he’s dine well with them. While he doesn’t possess the strongest arm, his passes are generally accurate and arrive on time. Gutierrez’s release has to be perceived as a good sign for the former Spartan.
Who’s not: Paris Lenon – Lenon is a tackling machine so it might be tough on him during camp when players aren’t allowed to actually bring down the ball carrier, but the linebacker has had trouble getting off blocks in 9-on-7 drills and hasn’t made much of an impact early on.
Play of the day – The aforementioned two-point conversion play wasn’t the prettiest we’ve seen so far, but it was important. Hoyer made a nice through in traffic, and even though the ball was slightly behind Galloway, the veteran reached back and made a nice grab to create one of the first moments of emotion we’ve seen in camp.
Various Posts August 4
* Brian Hoyer got a lot of time under center, though at one point he and Russ Hochstein had to do a lap for fumbling a snap.
* Hoyer set the offensive players cheering at the end of the session -- the ball was placed at the 2-yard line, and Hoyer completed a quick pass to Joey Galloway that was a little low. Galloway bobbled a bit, but got the catch and the touchdown, and the celebration was on. A minute later, the entire defense -- coaches included -- had to run a lap, and Belichick could be heard yelling and telling them not to cut any corners along the way.
http://patsblog.projo.com/2009/08/camp-session-11.html
•The unquestioned highlight of the morning came at the end of practice when the offense — led by backup quarterback Brian Hoyer — was going for a two-point conversion. If the defense gave up the points, they had to run a lap, and if the offense couldn’t punch it in, they had to run a lap. Hoyer found Galloway to complete the conversion, sending the offense into a frenzy. (Brady seemed to take great relish in taunting the defense, particularly Vince Wilfork, about the fact that they had to run. And Brady and Randy Moss continued to taunt them gleefully as they rounded the field.)
http://itiswhatitis.weei.com/sports/newengland/football/patriots/2009/08/04/notes-from-day-6-of-training-camp/
Another quarterback arrives…. how do the rest of them deal with it?
Another quarterback showed up today, as we all expected. Hello Andrew Walter, who struggled as a Raider but was relatively awesome as an Arizona State Sun Devil… but aren’t all QBs from there?
Anyway, there he was, wearing No. 16, throwing passes, taking real reps. And you got to think that is a little awkward for the other…
What do they think?
“It’s just a business,” said reserve QB Brian Hoyer, a former Michigan State product. “College isn’t as much of a business as this, but I remember at Michigan State, every new kid was supposed to be the super recruit, so you learn to deal with, especially at the quarterback position, because there can only be one of you out on the field. The only thing I can control is how I go out there and perform.”
http://news.bostonherald.com/blogs/sports/rap_sheet/?p=3184&srvc=home&position=recent
* Hoyer set the offensive players cheering at the end of the session -- the ball was placed at the 2-yard line, and Hoyer completed a quick pass to Joey Galloway that was a little low. Galloway bobbled a bit, but got the catch and the touchdown, and the celebration was on. A minute later, the entire defense -- coaches included -- had to run a lap, and Belichick could be heard yelling and telling them not to cut any corners along the way.
http://patsblog.projo.com/2009/08/camp-session-11.html
•The unquestioned highlight of the morning came at the end of practice when the offense — led by backup quarterback Brian Hoyer — was going for a two-point conversion. If the defense gave up the points, they had to run a lap, and if the offense couldn’t punch it in, they had to run a lap. Hoyer found Galloway to complete the conversion, sending the offense into a frenzy. (Brady seemed to take great relish in taunting the defense, particularly Vince Wilfork, about the fact that they had to run. And Brady and Randy Moss continued to taunt them gleefully as they rounded the field.)
http://itiswhatitis.weei.com/sports/newengland/football/patriots/2009/08/04/notes-from-day-6-of-training-camp/
Another quarterback arrives…. how do the rest of them deal with it?
Another quarterback showed up today, as we all expected. Hello Andrew Walter, who struggled as a Raider but was relatively awesome as an Arizona State Sun Devil… but aren’t all QBs from there?
Anyway, there he was, wearing No. 16, throwing passes, taking real reps. And you got to think that is a little awkward for the other…
What do they think?
“It’s just a business,” said reserve QB Brian Hoyer, a former Michigan State product. “College isn’t as much of a business as this, but I remember at Michigan State, every new kid was supposed to be the super recruit, so you learn to deal with, especially at the quarterback position, because there can only be one of you out on the field. The only thing I can control is how I go out there and perform.”
http://news.bostonherald.com/blogs/sports/rap_sheet/?p=3184&srvc=home&position=recent
August 4 Morning practice
Day 6, first Patriots practice
EmailLinkComments (0) Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff August 4, 2009 12:44 PM
FOXBOROUGH – The Patriots held their morning practice in full pads (9:30-11:15), with the session getting off to a different type of start as Mike Shanahan briefly addressed the players.
Here are a few observations from the practice:
1) Eyes on Andrew Walter. This was the first practice for newly signed quarterback Andrew Walter and the first thing that stands out is his size. At 6-foot-6, 230 pounds, he looks like a basketball player. Walter rotated in for some reps behind Tom Brady.
From my view, I thought he had the third-most reps of practice, behind Tom Brady and Brian Hoyer.
Second-stringer Kevin O’Connell has had reduced reps of late.
In one drill early in practice, receivers worked one-on-one against defensive backs on routes into the end zone, and Walter connected with former Raiders teammate Randy Moss in the corner of the end zone for a touchdown.
Yet on the next rep, Walter was picked off by Terrence Wheatley on a delivery under the goal posts. Walter, who seemed to develop some early chemistry with tight end David Thomas, did not speak to reporters after practice.
2) Offense is fired up at end of practice.
The practice ended with a lot of energy, as Bill Belichick gave the offense and defense some added motivation.
With the ball at what looked like the 5 yard line, the offense had one chance to punch it in. If the offense scored, the defense had to run a lap.
If the defense stopped them, the offense had to run a lap.
With rookie quarterback Brian Hoyer at the controls, he found Joey Galloway at the goal-line, after Galloway ran at Jerod Mayo and then cut to his right where the throw was delivered on time.
Hoyer sprinted up to Galloway to celebrate and the offense was really ribbing the defense, led by Tom Brady.
EmailLinkComments (0) Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff August 4, 2009 12:44 PM
FOXBOROUGH – The Patriots held their morning practice in full pads (9:30-11:15), with the session getting off to a different type of start as Mike Shanahan briefly addressed the players.
Here are a few observations from the practice:
1) Eyes on Andrew Walter. This was the first practice for newly signed quarterback Andrew Walter and the first thing that stands out is his size. At 6-foot-6, 230 pounds, he looks like a basketball player. Walter rotated in for some reps behind Tom Brady.
From my view, I thought he had the third-most reps of practice, behind Tom Brady and Brian Hoyer.
Second-stringer Kevin O’Connell has had reduced reps of late.
In one drill early in practice, receivers worked one-on-one against defensive backs on routes into the end zone, and Walter connected with former Raiders teammate Randy Moss in the corner of the end zone for a touchdown.
Yet on the next rep, Walter was picked off by Terrence Wheatley on a delivery under the goal posts. Walter, who seemed to develop some early chemistry with tight end David Thomas, did not speak to reporters after practice.
2) Offense is fired up at end of practice.
The practice ended with a lot of energy, as Bill Belichick gave the offense and defense some added motivation.
With the ball at what looked like the 5 yard line, the offense had one chance to punch it in. If the offense scored, the defense had to run a lap.
If the defense stopped them, the offense had to run a lap.
With rookie quarterback Brian Hoyer at the controls, he found Joey Galloway at the goal-line, after Galloway ran at Jerod Mayo and then cut to his right where the throw was delivered on time.
Hoyer sprinted up to Galloway to celebrate and the offense was really ribbing the defense, led by Tom Brady.
Hoyer sends Defense Running
Hoyer sends defense running
EmailLinkComments (0) Posted by Chris Forsberg, Boston.com Staff August 4, 2009 12:45 PM
It's the little things that break up the monotony of training camp and rookie quarterback Brian Hoyer provided the offense with a jolt of enthusiasm Tuesday when his 2-point conversion pass to Joey Galloway capped the morning session and sent the defense on a lap around the practice field.
It was Hoyer, the undrafted signal-caller out of Michigan State, thrust into the high-pressure role at the end of practice, but he gunned a pass to slot receiver Galloway, who corralled the ball going to the ground in the front of the end zone.
Galloway was mobbed by some jubilant offensive players, while defensive tackle Vince Wilfork, who had barely missed surging to Hoyer, endured some good-natured ribbing in the backfield. The defense then took their lap around the field before practice dismissed.
"Any time you're competing, it's fun," said Hoyer. "As an athlete, we're competitive, and you never want to lose. To do that, and send the defense running, it was fun.
"It's only one play though... we gotta come out in afternoon, it's a brand new practice. I just gotta keep getting better. In my opinion, [the play to end practice was] good for about five minutes, then you gotta move on. I'll be focused on this afternoon's practice."
The play did help cap what had previously been an uneven morning for Hoyer the day after the Patriots added Andrew Walter to the depth chart at quarterback (while releasing Matt Gutierrez).
"(Quarterbacks) coach (Bill) O'Brien usually tells me, you can't have a bad practice," said Hoyer.
"You might have a bad play here or there, but you gotta bounce back, and to come back, and be put in that situation -- the 2-point situation, with something on the line -- sometimes you lose sight of that in camp, where it's drill after drill, but you put something on the line, whoever loses is running, and to come out on top feels good."
EmailLinkComments (0) Posted by Chris Forsberg, Boston.com Staff August 4, 2009 12:45 PM
It's the little things that break up the monotony of training camp and rookie quarterback Brian Hoyer provided the offense with a jolt of enthusiasm Tuesday when his 2-point conversion pass to Joey Galloway capped the morning session and sent the defense on a lap around the practice field.
It was Hoyer, the undrafted signal-caller out of Michigan State, thrust into the high-pressure role at the end of practice, but he gunned a pass to slot receiver Galloway, who corralled the ball going to the ground in the front of the end zone.
Galloway was mobbed by some jubilant offensive players, while defensive tackle Vince Wilfork, who had barely missed surging to Hoyer, endured some good-natured ribbing in the backfield. The defense then took their lap around the field before practice dismissed.
"Any time you're competing, it's fun," said Hoyer. "As an athlete, we're competitive, and you never want to lose. To do that, and send the defense running, it was fun.
"It's only one play though... we gotta come out in afternoon, it's a brand new practice. I just gotta keep getting better. In my opinion, [the play to end practice was] good for about five minutes, then you gotta move on. I'll be focused on this afternoon's practice."
The play did help cap what had previously been an uneven morning for Hoyer the day after the Patriots added Andrew Walter to the depth chart at quarterback (while releasing Matt Gutierrez).
"(Quarterbacks) coach (Bill) O'Brien usually tells me, you can't have a bad practice," said Hoyer.
"You might have a bad play here or there, but you gotta bounce back, and to come back, and be put in that situation -- the 2-point situation, with something on the line -- sometimes you lose sight of that in camp, where it's drill after drill, but you put something on the line, whoever loses is running, and to come out on top feels good."
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