Mayo not present at practice
09.16.09 at 1:30 pm ET
By Christopher Price
FOXBOROUGH — Just returned from the first few moments of Patriots practice, which is being held on the lower fields behind Gillette Stadium in sweatpants and shells. Linebacker Jerod Mayo, who was injured in the first half of Monday night’s win over Buffalo, was the only member of the team not present for the portion of practice the media is allowed to watch. In addition, quarterbacks Brian Hoyer and Isaiah Stanback, as well as wide receiver/special teams ace Sam Aiken, safety Brandon McGowan and defensive back Bret Lockett were all wearing black practice jerseys, signling them out for outstanding practice play the week before.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
From the USA Today
NFL teams finding backup QBs a premium in young season
s' ballots each week
Games to watch: Best contests on schedule
By Jon Saraceno, USA TODAY
The NFL's "relief pitchers" continue to be a hot commodity in the early going this season.
Ineffectiveness and injury often leads to replacement quarterbacks unexpectedly crouching behind center. Only 16 NFL quarterbacks started every game last season — and more than 50 started at least once.
With the market for available signal-callers thin, the Philadelphia Eagles signed veteran Jeff Garcia Tuesday while the Carolina Panthers agreed to a contract with journeyman A.J. Feeley, playing for his fourth franchise since 2005.
DELHOMME UNDER FIRE: Panthers brass, players stick by veteran QB
Garcia, 38, who was released by the Oakland Raiders, his sixth NFL team, last week. The 32-year-old Feeley, released by the Eagles earlier this month, is now behind Jake Delhomme's after Josh McCown went on injured reserve. McCown was hurt in the Panthers' season-opening loss to the Eagles after replacing Delhomme, who committed five turnovers.
Several teams, including the New York Giants and Washington Redskins, are going with only two quarterbacks on their active roster this season. Among the experienced, and unemployed, quarterbacks on possible speed-dial for teams: Joey Harrington, Damon Huard, Gus Frerotte and Brian Griese, who played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season and now works as an ESPN college football analyst.
"Brian would like to play this season, but it would have to be the right circumstance," said Ralph Cindrich, his agent.
Should the injury bug bite hard, some teams appear in more potential peril than others:
•If Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers is knocked silly for the season, the Packers' No. 2 quarterback at this juncture is Matt Flynn, an untested second-year pro.
•If New Orleans Saints Pro Bowl quarterback Drew Brees is replaced, aging Mark Brunell, 39, gets the call. Brees has not missed a start the last four seasons, which is a good thing because Brunell has not thrown a pass since 2006.
•And if New England's Tom Brady suffers another season-ending injury ... well, coach Bill Belichick could be in trouble because Matt Cassel now plays for the Kansas City Chiefs. Or doesn't play — Cassel, who sat out Sunday's loss at Baltimore, has a bad left knee. It's undetermined if he will start Sunday against the Oakland Raiders.
The Patriots' Brian Hoyer, 23, an undrafted rookie from Michigan State, played well enough in the preseason to outlast Matt Gutierrez, Kevin O'Connell and Andrew Walter, all released.
s' ballots each week
Games to watch: Best contests on schedule
By Jon Saraceno, USA TODAY
The NFL's "relief pitchers" continue to be a hot commodity in the early going this season.
Ineffectiveness and injury often leads to replacement quarterbacks unexpectedly crouching behind center. Only 16 NFL quarterbacks started every game last season — and more than 50 started at least once.
With the market for available signal-callers thin, the Philadelphia Eagles signed veteran Jeff Garcia Tuesday while the Carolina Panthers agreed to a contract with journeyman A.J. Feeley, playing for his fourth franchise since 2005.
DELHOMME UNDER FIRE: Panthers brass, players stick by veteran QB
Garcia, 38, who was released by the Oakland Raiders, his sixth NFL team, last week. The 32-year-old Feeley, released by the Eagles earlier this month, is now behind Jake Delhomme's after Josh McCown went on injured reserve. McCown was hurt in the Panthers' season-opening loss to the Eagles after replacing Delhomme, who committed five turnovers.
Several teams, including the New York Giants and Washington Redskins, are going with only two quarterbacks on their active roster this season. Among the experienced, and unemployed, quarterbacks on possible speed-dial for teams: Joey Harrington, Damon Huard, Gus Frerotte and Brian Griese, who played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season and now works as an ESPN college football analyst.
"Brian would like to play this season, but it would have to be the right circumstance," said Ralph Cindrich, his agent.
Should the injury bug bite hard, some teams appear in more potential peril than others:
•If Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers is knocked silly for the season, the Packers' No. 2 quarterback at this juncture is Matt Flynn, an untested second-year pro.
•If New Orleans Saints Pro Bowl quarterback Drew Brees is replaced, aging Mark Brunell, 39, gets the call. Brees has not missed a start the last four seasons, which is a good thing because Brunell has not thrown a pass since 2006.
•And if New England's Tom Brady suffers another season-ending injury ... well, coach Bill Belichick could be in trouble because Matt Cassel now plays for the Kansas City Chiefs. Or doesn't play — Cassel, who sat out Sunday's loss at Baltimore, has a bad left knee. It's undetermined if he will start Sunday against the Oakland Raiders.
The Patriots' Brian Hoyer, 23, an undrafted rookie from Michigan State, played well enough in the preseason to outlast Matt Gutierrez, Kevin O'Connell and Andrew Walter, all released.
Pats - No Hurry to Sign Back Up QB
Patriots Journal: Front office feels no pressure to sign veteran backup for Brady
FOXBORO – The Patriots appear to be in no hurry to find a veteran quarterback to backup
Tom Brady.
That is surprising, since Brady suffered a season-ending knee injury in the first quarter of the Pats opener last year, and teams are going to come after Brady with blitzes this year.
But Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio said Tuesday that the Pats have full confidence in rookie Brian Hoyer if Brady gets hurt. Hoyer is the only other quarterback on the Patriots active roster.
“Brian has been here since the rookie mini camp and he’s proven that he has the understanding and the grasp of what we are doing offensively, so where we are right now, that’s where we are with the club,” Caserio said. “We have the two quarterbacks and we have Isaiah (Stanback), who last week it was kind of his first introduction at some of the things we are doing offensively, so we’ll continue moving forward with that group. If the situation arises where we feel like we have to make a move, then we’ll go ahead and do that.”
Both Hoyer and Stanback are unproven quarterbacks in the NFL. In fact, neither has started an NFL regular-season game. Hoyer, who was not drafted, ranks among Michigan State’s career leaders in pass attempts (No. 2 at 896), passing yards (No. 3 with 6,159), pass completions (No. 3 at 500), TD passes (No. 6 with 35) and completion percentage (No. 10 at .559).
Stanback, who was drafted in the fourth round (103rd overall) in 2007 by Dallas, was converted to a wide receiver and kick returner by the Cowboys.
“Isaiah is a player that when he was coming out of college a few years ago out of Washington, we felt that he could actually play the position,” Caserio said last week. “Now, since he’s been with the Cowboys he’s played receiver, he’s done a number of other different things, but we liked the things that he did coming out of college, so our thought process is to work with him at the quarterback position and see how that progresses.”
Stanback finished his career at Washington second in career passing yards per completion with 14.38 and 10th in career total offense with 4,662 yards –– 3,868 as passing yards (ranked 11th).
There are not a lot of veteran backups still on the market. The Philadelphia Eagles singed Jeff Garcia after Donavan McNabb broke a rib in their opener in Carolina, and A.J. Feeley just signed with the Panthers.
FOXBORO – The Patriots appear to be in no hurry to find a veteran quarterback to backup
Tom Brady.
That is surprising, since Brady suffered a season-ending knee injury in the first quarter of the Pats opener last year, and teams are going to come after Brady with blitzes this year.
But Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio said Tuesday that the Pats have full confidence in rookie Brian Hoyer if Brady gets hurt. Hoyer is the only other quarterback on the Patriots active roster.
“Brian has been here since the rookie mini camp and he’s proven that he has the understanding and the grasp of what we are doing offensively, so where we are right now, that’s where we are with the club,” Caserio said. “We have the two quarterbacks and we have Isaiah (Stanback), who last week it was kind of his first introduction at some of the things we are doing offensively, so we’ll continue moving forward with that group. If the situation arises where we feel like we have to make a move, then we’ll go ahead and do that.”
Both Hoyer and Stanback are unproven quarterbacks in the NFL. In fact, neither has started an NFL regular-season game. Hoyer, who was not drafted, ranks among Michigan State’s career leaders in pass attempts (No. 2 at 896), passing yards (No. 3 with 6,159), pass completions (No. 3 at 500), TD passes (No. 6 with 35) and completion percentage (No. 10 at .559).
Stanback, who was drafted in the fourth round (103rd overall) in 2007 by Dallas, was converted to a wide receiver and kick returner by the Cowboys.
“Isaiah is a player that when he was coming out of college a few years ago out of Washington, we felt that he could actually play the position,” Caserio said last week. “Now, since he’s been with the Cowboys he’s played receiver, he’s done a number of other different things, but we liked the things that he did coming out of college, so our thought process is to work with him at the quarterback position and see how that progresses.”
Stanback finished his career at Washington second in career passing yards per completion with 14.38 and 10th in career total offense with 4,662 yards –– 3,868 as passing yards (ranked 11th).
There are not a lot of veteran backups still on the market. The Philadelphia Eagles singed Jeff Garcia after Donavan McNabb broke a rib in their opener in Carolina, and A.J. Feeley just signed with the Panthers.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
FRom some Spartan Fans
Hoyer Last Night
by BBSM on Tue Sep 15, 2009 7:14 am
Not sure if you watched the Pats game, I did.
Hoyer got a lot of air time before the game and during if you watched. I had to laugh as he was there, talking with Brady and Moss, cashing an NFL check. Good for him. I said we would miss him and no doubt we do. Great Spartan.
I remember once my son and I saw him at the mall. Before I could say anything my son ran up to him and asked for an autograph.
Here he was a college kid with his buddies and he treated my son like he was the only person in the world. I have rooted for him ever since.
Anyways he told my son that he used to pitch and play baseball and just visited with him like they were long lost pals.I will always root for good people and he is one.
BBSM
Posts: 778
Joined: Sun Aug 24, 2008 3:38 pm
Top
Re: Hoyer Last Night
by Hondo on Tue Sep 15, 2009 7:38 am
My son Duffy was running around "playing" Brian Hoyer. Every time they showed Brian he screamed and yelled. Brian is a class act and a better kid than football player. I told someone close to Brian yesterday that I also was very proud of Brian.
Joined: Mon Aug 18, 2008 10:33 am
Location: The Spartan Nation
Re: Hoyer Last Night
by Glenn Quagmire on Tue Sep 15, 2009 8:58 am
Hoyer once spent almost ten minutes with my nephew.
He has special needs and Brian asked him if he played football.
My nephew who is in a wheelchair told us later, "Unlce Glenn, he didn't even notice I was in a wheelchair."
Brian Hoyer at that moment made my nephew feel normal and for that one moment, I could never repay Brian.
He is my favorite Spartan and no one will ever replace him.
by BBSM on Tue Sep 15, 2009 7:14 am
Not sure if you watched the Pats game, I did.
Hoyer got a lot of air time before the game and during if you watched. I had to laugh as he was there, talking with Brady and Moss, cashing an NFL check. Good for him. I said we would miss him and no doubt we do. Great Spartan.
I remember once my son and I saw him at the mall. Before I could say anything my son ran up to him and asked for an autograph.
Here he was a college kid with his buddies and he treated my son like he was the only person in the world. I have rooted for him ever since.
Anyways he told my son that he used to pitch and play baseball and just visited with him like they were long lost pals.I will always root for good people and he is one.
BBSM
Posts: 778
Joined: Sun Aug 24, 2008 3:38 pm
Top
Re: Hoyer Last Night
by Hondo on Tue Sep 15, 2009 7:38 am
My son Duffy was running around "playing" Brian Hoyer. Every time they showed Brian he screamed and yelled. Brian is a class act and a better kid than football player. I told someone close to Brian yesterday that I also was very proud of Brian.
Joined: Mon Aug 18, 2008 10:33 am
Location: The Spartan Nation
Re: Hoyer Last Night
by Glenn Quagmire on Tue Sep 15, 2009 8:58 am
Hoyer once spent almost ten minutes with my nephew.
He has special needs and Brian asked him if he played football.
My nephew who is in a wheelchair told us later, "Unlce Glenn, he didn't even notice I was in a wheelchair."
Brian Hoyer at that moment made my nephew feel normal and for that one moment, I could never repay Brian.
He is my favorite Spartan and no one will ever replace him.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Hoyer Determined and Undeterred
Hoyer untested, but undeterred
Rookie prepared for his backup role
By Christopher L. Gasper
Globe Staff / September 10, 2009
Rookie prepared for his backup role
By Christopher L. Gasper
Globe Staff / September 10, 2009
FOXBOROUGH - Last season, the Patriots had a backup quarterback, Matt Cassel, who hadn’t started a game since high school. Now they have one that has never played in a regular-season NFL game.
If franchise quarterback Tom Brady, who is coming back from torn anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his left knee, goes down again, then 23-year-old Brian Hoyer is currently all that stands behind him with the Patriots’ season opener against the Bills four days away.
The Patriots elected to keep only two quarterbacks on the 53-man active roster. Few would have believed that the 6-foot-2-inch, 215-pound Hoyer, passed on by all 32 teams in the draft coming out of Michigan State, would be one of them. Hoyer was fourth on the depth chart when training camp started behind Brady, Kevin O’Connell, and Matt Gutierrez, who was cut Aug. 3 to make room for veteran Andrew Walter. Hoyer outlasted all the backup contenders.
“I don’t want to say I’m surprised,’’ said Hoyer, who was 29 of 44 for 354 yards and a touchdown during the preseason. “I expected to be on a team somewhere back in April. Even though circumstances were a little bit different than I thought they would have played out after the draft, I couldn’t be happier to be here.
It’s a great opportunity, and I got to keep learning and there is a long way to go. I’m just going to try to learn as much as I can from Tom and [quarterbacks] Coach [Bill] O’Brien and Coach [Bill] Belichick, and what three great guys to learn football from.’’
The Patriots appear comfortable with having just Hoyer as the backup.
“He has worked hard, he’s smart, he understands the system, he makes quick decisions,’’ said director of player personnel Nick Caserio. “I think it was good to see him in live situations in the preseason just to see how he handled some of those situations. I think he handled them fairly well, and we feel comfortable with where we are with him.’’
But how comfortable does Hoyer feel?
“I’m going to go out and prepare this week like I have to be ready to play,’’ said Hoyer. “I’ve been in a backup situation before, whether it was in high school or in college - don’t get me wrong, this is a whole other level - but you always have to approach it as you have to be ready to play at a moment’s notice. I think if you can prepare as much as you can with a starter’s mentality, you’re prepared for anything . . . I think that’s been one of the big things for me is just watching Tom practice. You can learn so much through that.’’
“I’m going to go out and prepare this week like I have to be ready to play,’’ said Hoyer. “I’ve been in a backup situation before, whether it was in high school or in college - don’t get me wrong, this is a whole other level - but you always have to approach it as you have to be ready to play at a moment’s notice. I think if you can prepare as much as you can with a starter’s mentality, you’re prepared for anything . . . I think that’s been one of the big things for me is just watching Tom practice. You can learn so much through that.’’
Pressure is nothing new for Hoyer, the son of a financial planner and a nurse.
He was the starting quarterback for two years at Saint Ignatius High School in Cleveland, a prep powerhouse that has won 10 Division 1 state titles since 1988. The school produced former Boston College star and current NFL lineman Chris Hovan. Among Hoyer’s high school teammates was Colts wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez.
Hoyer, who pitched Saint Ignatius to a state championship in baseball in 2002, returned to the school in April and May to keep in shape and prepare for his NFL career.
“He was down here last spring throwing to anybody who would catch a ball,’’ said Saint Ignatius coach Chuck Kyle.
Kyle said Hoyer was slightly embarrassed when he wasn’t selected in the draft, especially since ESPN had cameras at his home, but said Hoyer landed in an ideal situation. The Patriots called Hoyer during the seventh round to tell him they wanted him to sign as a free agent.
The Patriots have a history of developing overlooked and undervalued quarterbacks. Brady was a sixth-round pick out of Michigan in 2000. A seventh-round pick in 2005, Cassel was a backup at Southern California.
“I think that kind of played into it because you’ve seen what they’ve done with guys that they’ve taken later,’’ said Hoyer. “That’s on a person-by-person basis. Tom is Tom. He has done what he has done. Matt was a guy who was stuck behind some good players in college and was given an opportunity here and stepped up. That’s what you got to do - when you’re given an opportunity you have to take advantage of it, so I felt like I tried to do that whenever my name was called.’’
Hoyer has already shown some intangibles. He rallied the Patriots from a 21-0 first-half deficit to defeat the Giants, 38-27, in the exhibition finale. The levelheaded Hoyer is keeping his exhibition success in perspective and readying for the real thing.
“If my name gets called you got to be ready,’’ said Hoyer. “That’s how this game is. You never know, and you just got to be prepared.’’
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
From Pat Derov - 5th Grade Teammate
Patrick Derov September 9 at 11:57am
I was listening to sports talk radio today and they happen to have Kevin Faulk on from the Patriots.
They asked him a bunch of different questions, but when they asked him what was the biggest surprise of training camp?
He said it would have to be Brian Hoyer and the fact that he gets it. He said that Brian was the first quarterback they have had in the past eleven seasons that has gotten it like Brady.
Just a little bit of high praise i thought you would appreciate. Hope all is well and congrats we are all very excited and proud of him.
QUotes from NEW ENGLAND PLAYER PERSONEL DIRECTOR
Q: You signed a guy from the Cowboys who has played quarterback and receiver. Is he your 3rd string quarterback right now and are you happy with where the quarterback situation is behind Tom Brady?
NC: Speaking about Isaiah [Stanback] first - right now he’s the third quarterback that’s on the roster. We just signed him here [yesterday], even though he’s on the practice squad. Isaiah is a player that when he was coming out of college a few years ago out of Washington, we felt that he could actually play the position. Now, since he’s been with the Cowboys he’s played receiver, he’s done a number of other different things, but we liked the things that he did coming out of college, so our thought process is to work with him at the quarterback position and see how that progresses.
As far as it relates to the other two players that are on the roster, obviously with Brady we kind of know what we have there. I think [Brian] Hoyer is somebody that, being around him on a day-to-day basis, he’s worked hard, he’s smart, he understands the system, he makes quick decisions. I think he has a grasp of some of the things we’re trying to do offensively. I think it was good to see him in live situations in the preseason just to see how he handled some of those situations. Obviously, I think he handled them fairly well and we feel comfortable with where we are with him and where we are with the position as it currently stands here today.
NC: Speaking about Isaiah [Stanback] first - right now he’s the third quarterback that’s on the roster. We just signed him here [yesterday], even though he’s on the practice squad. Isaiah is a player that when he was coming out of college a few years ago out of Washington, we felt that he could actually play the position. Now, since he’s been with the Cowboys he’s played receiver, he’s done a number of other different things, but we liked the things that he did coming out of college, so our thought process is to work with him at the quarterback position and see how that progresses.
As far as it relates to the other two players that are on the roster, obviously with Brady we kind of know what we have there. I think [Brian] Hoyer is somebody that, being around him on a day-to-day basis, he’s worked hard, he’s smart, he understands the system, he makes quick decisions. I think he has a grasp of some of the things we’re trying to do offensively. I think it was good to see him in live situations in the preseason just to see how he handled some of those situations. Obviously, I think he handled them fairly well and we feel comfortable with where we are with him and where we are with the position as it currently stands here today.
Some interesting Stats
Monday September 7, 2009
Stat of the Week
Monday dawned with the Patriots having two quarterbacks from Big Ten arch-rivals on their roster. Tom Brady you know. Brian Hoyer you don't, probably. But they weren't very different coming out of college, as their college stat lines show:
Brady/Hoyer -- The College Years
Player Years School Combine Ht/Wt College starts Completion Pct. TD/INT
Brady 1996-99 Michigan 6-4/211 25 .623 35-19
Hoyer 2005-08 Michigan State 6-2/216 27 .558 35-23
Now, don't go saying, "King thinks Hoyer's the second coming of Tom Brady.'' I have no idea what Hoyer is. But the Patriots have never cared much about what the public thinks of their quarterback situation. They abandoned Drew Bledsoe for Brady, then in 2008 went on a playoff chase with Matt Cassel, who hadn't started at quarterback since high school.
Stat of the Week
Monday dawned with the Patriots having two quarterbacks from Big Ten arch-rivals on their roster. Tom Brady you know. Brian Hoyer you don't, probably. But they weren't very different coming out of college, as their college stat lines show:
Brady/Hoyer -- The College Years
Player Years School Combine Ht/Wt College starts Completion Pct. TD/INT
Brady 1996-99 Michigan 6-4/211 25 .623 35-19
Hoyer 2005-08 Michigan State 6-2/216 27 .558 35-23
Now, don't go saying, "King thinks Hoyer's the second coming of Tom Brady.'' I have no idea what Hoyer is. But the Patriots have never cared much about what the public thinks of their quarterback situation. They abandoned Drew Bledsoe for Brady, then in 2008 went on a playoff chase with Matt Cassel, who hadn't started at quarterback since high school.
MSU NEws - Comments by Coach Dantonio
Posted: Sept. 9, 2009
Ex-MSU stars Hoyer, Ringer earn spots in NFL
BY SHANNON SHELTON
FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER
EAST LANSING -- Fans often had a strained relationship with Brian Hoyer during his two years as the Spartans' starting quarterback.
He was a hero when he passed for 282 yards and three touchdowns to beat Michigan in 2008, but took plenty of heat after a five-turnover performance at the 2007 Champs Sports Bowl that led to a loss against Boston College.
Coach Mark Dantonio, however, never wavered in his support for Hoyer and continually praised his level of leadership and skill. Now that Hoyer has landed on the New England Patriots' 53-man roster as the backup to Tom Brady, Hoyer has earned a measure of vindication.
"All along last year, what I saw in Brian Hoyer was a guy that did things right at the line of scrimmage, made the reads correct down the field, did things right in the huddle getting us to the line of scrimmage and getting us in the right play," Dantonio said Tuesday. "He showed a great amount of mental toughness. It's tough being a quarterback, because they're probably going to take most of the blame or get most of the credit."
Dantonio also noted that former running back Javon Ringer made the Tennessee Titans' roster Saturday, and that two other former MSU players, tight end Kellen Davis (Chicago Bears) and wide receiver Devin Thomas (Washington Redskins), are entering their second season in the NFL.
Running back Jehuu Caulcrick was cut from the New York Jets' roster but was added to their practice squad Sunday, then was released Tuesday. Defensive end Ervin Baldwin made Chicago's practice squad after being cut by the Bears.
"The Big Ten can prepare you -- the experiences you have here out in that stadium can prepare you for the NFL or other big-time experiences -- because of the pressures that are put on you here," Dantonio said. "I think those are all experiences that are very, very crucial to their long-term success."
Ex-MSU stars Hoyer, Ringer earn spots in NFL
BY SHANNON SHELTON
FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER
EAST LANSING -- Fans often had a strained relationship with Brian Hoyer during his two years as the Spartans' starting quarterback.
He was a hero when he passed for 282 yards and three touchdowns to beat Michigan in 2008, but took plenty of heat after a five-turnover performance at the 2007 Champs Sports Bowl that led to a loss against Boston College.
Coach Mark Dantonio, however, never wavered in his support for Hoyer and continually praised his level of leadership and skill. Now that Hoyer has landed on the New England Patriots' 53-man roster as the backup to Tom Brady, Hoyer has earned a measure of vindication.
"All along last year, what I saw in Brian Hoyer was a guy that did things right at the line of scrimmage, made the reads correct down the field, did things right in the huddle getting us to the line of scrimmage and getting us in the right play," Dantonio said Tuesday. "He showed a great amount of mental toughness. It's tough being a quarterback, because they're probably going to take most of the blame or get most of the credit."
Dantonio also noted that former running back Javon Ringer made the Tennessee Titans' roster Saturday, and that two other former MSU players, tight end Kellen Davis (Chicago Bears) and wide receiver Devin Thomas (Washington Redskins), are entering their second season in the NFL.
Running back Jehuu Caulcrick was cut from the New York Jets' roster but was added to their practice squad Sunday, then was released Tuesday. Defensive end Ervin Baldwin made Chicago's practice squad after being cut by the Bears.
"The Big Ten can prepare you -- the experiences you have here out in that stadium can prepare you for the NFL or other big-time experiences -- because of the pressures that are put on you here," Dantonio said. "I think those are all experiences that are very, very crucial to their long-term success."
Friday, September 4, 2009
An opinion
Quarterbacks (2)
Tom Brady, Brian Hoyer
Note: At some point, I do believe Belichick will sign a third quarterback, but that’s not a pressing issue with roster cuts coming nine days before the Patriots’ regular-season opener. With Hoyer’s performance Thursday, there is no way — repeat, no way — he clears waivers and lands on the practice squad, and the Patriots have invested too much time into the rookie to take that gamble anyway. Andrew Walter, who I originally believed would make the team, was in camp for a full month but never got a great look in preseason action. Wouldn’t it make sense to give Walter some extended live reps if he had a place with the team?
Tom Brady, Brian Hoyer
Note: At some point, I do believe Belichick will sign a third quarterback, but that’s not a pressing issue with roster cuts coming nine days before the Patriots’ regular-season opener. With Hoyer’s performance Thursday, there is no way — repeat, no way — he clears waivers and lands on the practice squad, and the Patriots have invested too much time into the rookie to take that gamble anyway. Andrew Walter, who I originally believed would make the team, was in camp for a full month but never got a great look in preseason action. Wouldn’t it make sense to give Walter some extended live reps if he had a place with the team?
Walter released.....Hoyer remains
Report: Walter released
Link|Comments (0) Posted by Chris Forsberg, Boston.com Staff September 4, 2009 01:25 PM
ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting, via his Twitter account, that quarterback Andrew Walter has been released by the Patriots:
QB Andrew Walter informed he's being released, which indicates that rookie Brian Hoyer has won battle to be Tom Brady's backup.
Link|Comments (0) Posted by Chris Forsberg, Boston.com Staff September 4, 2009 01:25 PM
ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting, via his Twitter account, that quarterback Andrew Walter has been released by the Patriots:
QB Andrew Walter informed he's being released, which indicates that rookie Brian Hoyer has won battle to be Tom Brady's backup.
Maybe a job
Backup QB fight thrown in quandary
By Karen Guregian / Patriots Beat Friday, September 4, 2009 - Updated 4h ago+ Recent Articles
Boston Herald General Sports Reporter and Columnist
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FOXBORO - A backup quarterback, or in this case, Tom Brady [stats]’s understudy, needs to meet certain criteria to survive on Bill Belichick’s watch. We’ll call them Belichick’s commandments for backups.
He must be able to manage a game.
He must be able to throw accurately.
He must be able to make good decisions on a consistent basis.
He must be a guy who can win games.
The last commandment is really what it’s all about for Brady’s primary sidekick. That’s what Belichick and his offensive coaches have always sought.
That’s why Kevin O’Connell was sent packing, because Belichick didn’t think he could win with him if Brady went down. He didn’t perform any of the top three criteria particularly well during camp and the preseason, didn’t seem to fit in their system, and didn’t look like he could win games. So that was why the third-round pick was waived on Sunday, and ultimately picked up by the Detroit Lions.
The question now is can they win with Andrew Walter, who was curiously kept out of last night’s 38-27 exhibition-ending win over the New York Giants? Can they win with a guy who was a stud at Arizona State, who has all the physical tools to be a stud in the pros, but has yet to see it translate in the NFL?
Or, maybe we should be focusing on rookie Brian Hoyer, who went cover-to-cover last night, and looked pretty darn good against the Giants second teamers by going 18-for-25 for 242 yards and a touchdown. This is the quarterback who Belichick & Co., insiders say, are more impressed with to this point.
The Walter benching just provided more head-scratching and less comfort with the situation. After all, isn’t he the guy with the experience? Didn’t he leap into the No. 2 spot after O’Connell was dumped?
After the game, Walter was clearly peeved, fielding two questions before fleeing.
“It’s my job to be a pro. I’m going to leave it at that,” he said, when asked if he felt like he had gotten enough time in the preseason to be prepared to play if called upon.
While it looked like Belichick missed the mark with his choice of Matt Cassel last year when Brady’s knee blew out, history proved otherwise. While unimpressive during the preseason, Cassel proved a terrific backup in the long run. It’s not easy finding fault with a guy who wins 11 games.
So the Pats have learned they need a dependable guy riding shotgun. As much as Brady is an iron man, the unthinkable does happen. That’s why there’s so much interest now in who ultimately gets the job.
Walter’s lack of overall playing time in the preseason - he was just 5-of-9 passing for 62 yards - raises a red flag. It’s possible they didn’t play him last night because they didn’t want to risk him, with Brady’s health a bit questionable. Or, he’s safe and they really wanted to see more of Hoyer, who has opened some eyes.
The Michigan State product nicely rallied the team from a 21-0 hole, completing 18-of-25 passes for 242 yards and a touchdown. Still, it’s doubtful the Pats would want a first-year player as the primary backup.
By Karen Guregian / Patriots Beat Friday, September 4, 2009 - Updated 4h ago+ Recent Articles
Boston Herald General Sports Reporter and Columnist
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FOXBORO - A backup quarterback, or in this case, Tom Brady [stats]’s understudy, needs to meet certain criteria to survive on Bill Belichick’s watch. We’ll call them Belichick’s commandments for backups.
He must be able to manage a game.
He must be able to throw accurately.
He must be able to make good decisions on a consistent basis.
He must be a guy who can win games.
The last commandment is really what it’s all about for Brady’s primary sidekick. That’s what Belichick and his offensive coaches have always sought.
That’s why Kevin O’Connell was sent packing, because Belichick didn’t think he could win with him if Brady went down. He didn’t perform any of the top three criteria particularly well during camp and the preseason, didn’t seem to fit in their system, and didn’t look like he could win games. So that was why the third-round pick was waived on Sunday, and ultimately picked up by the Detroit Lions.
The question now is can they win with Andrew Walter, who was curiously kept out of last night’s 38-27 exhibition-ending win over the New York Giants? Can they win with a guy who was a stud at Arizona State, who has all the physical tools to be a stud in the pros, but has yet to see it translate in the NFL?
Or, maybe we should be focusing on rookie Brian Hoyer, who went cover-to-cover last night, and looked pretty darn good against the Giants second teamers by going 18-for-25 for 242 yards and a touchdown. This is the quarterback who Belichick & Co., insiders say, are more impressed with to this point.
The Walter benching just provided more head-scratching and less comfort with the situation. After all, isn’t he the guy with the experience? Didn’t he leap into the No. 2 spot after O’Connell was dumped?
After the game, Walter was clearly peeved, fielding two questions before fleeing.
“It’s my job to be a pro. I’m going to leave it at that,” he said, when asked if he felt like he had gotten enough time in the preseason to be prepared to play if called upon.
While it looked like Belichick missed the mark with his choice of Matt Cassel last year when Brady’s knee blew out, history proved otherwise. While unimpressive during the preseason, Cassel proved a terrific backup in the long run. It’s not easy finding fault with a guy who wins 11 games.
So the Pats have learned they need a dependable guy riding shotgun. As much as Brady is an iron man, the unthinkable does happen. That’s why there’s so much interest now in who ultimately gets the job.
Walter’s lack of overall playing time in the preseason - he was just 5-of-9 passing for 62 yards - raises a red flag. It’s possible they didn’t play him last night because they didn’t want to risk him, with Brady’s health a bit questionable. Or, he’s safe and they really wanted to see more of Hoyer, who has opened some eyes.
The Michigan State product nicely rallied the team from a 21-0 hole, completing 18-of-25 passes for 242 yards and a touchdown. Still, it’s doubtful the Pats would want a first-year player as the primary backup.
ok...posting from on the road
http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/football/patriots/view.bg?articleid=1195250&srvc=rss
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Andew Walter, Brian Hoyer vie for backup job
FOXBORO - As is often the case this time of year, trade rumors are swirling. The Patriots [team stats] are investigating several options at backup quarterback, a process that may intensify over the next few days.
Meanwhile, Andrew Walter will trot onto the field and stand under center against the New York Giants in the final preseason game tonight at Gillette Stadium, asked to perform with questions unanswered about his future.
How can he handle focusing on two things at once? Walter said he won’t need to.
“I only have time to spend learning the offense,” Walter said, “and trying to learn everybody’s name.”
“I only have time to spend learning the offense,” Walter said, “and trying to learn everybody’s name.”
The former Oakland Raider, who arrived on the fifth day of the preseason, is suddenly a potential No. 2 after the Patriots cut 2008 third-round draft pick Kevin O’Connell. With Tom Brady [stats] expected to sit out as a precaution because of his healing throwing shoulder,
Walter will share the spotlight with rookie Brian Hoyer.
If the third preseason game is the closest to a regular-season game, the next one is the furthest. The contest figures to allow the backups to play for their jobs, and Walter and Hoyer will do exactly that against New York’s backups.
Walter chose his words carefully when discussing his new role, saying his goal is still to understand the offense and that his task hasn’t been altered. In his fifth year in the league, Walter has what he believes is a sound routine.
“I don’t think anything (changes),” Walter said. “Because if it does, it shows flaws in how you prepare for a game. If you change your preparation because circumstances change, it shows you’re not preparing the way you should. Nothing has changed.”
“I don’t think anything (changes),” Walter said. “Because if it does, it shows flaws in how you prepare for a game. If you change your preparation because circumstances change, it shows you’re not preparing the way you should. Nothing has changed.”
Coach Bill Belichick didn’t explain the specifics of why he released O’Connell, who landed with the Detroit Lions. He simply said it “didn’t work out,” adding that he couldn’t say whether O’Connell would have been better in a system that played more to his strengths.
“We want to give the reps to the players that are here,” Belichick said, “and so that’s what we’re going to do.”
“We want to give the reps to the players that are here,” Belichick said, “and so that’s what we’re going to do.”
Enter Walter and Hoyer, two opposites.
Walter is a 6-foot-6 pocket passer and former third-round draft pick. He is experienced, having played 12 games (eight starts) in 2006, when he was sacked a whopping 46 times. He is searching for a new beginning after the woeful Raiders cut him this summer.
As for Hoyer, he’s a 6-foot-2 free agent from Michigan State, a rare Patriots signal-caller shorter than 6-foot-4. Though he was 11-of-19 for 112 yards in his one preseason appearance, he seemed primed for the practice squad before O’Connell was sent home.
Hoyer said all the right things in a brief appearance with the media this week, focusing on himself and his desire to contribute. That may be difficult with the trade talk.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Reiss Pieces projected 53 man roster
Mike Reiss, Globe Staff September 2, 2009 07:00 AM
After three preseason games, an updated projection at how the Patriots' 53-man roster might look for the season-opener:
Quarterback (3): Brady, Walter, HoyerQuick hit: With Kevin O’Connell’s surprising release, it opens the door for Hoyer … unless the team acquires a veteran. (1 change)
After three preseason games, an updated projection at how the Patriots' 53-man roster might look for the season-opener:
Quarterback (3): Brady, Walter, HoyerQuick hit: With Kevin O’Connell’s surprising release, it opens the door for Hoyer … unless the team acquires a veteran. (1 change)
Patriot QB news from Patriots.com
Some footage and reporting on the New England Patriot QBs...and some glimpses of Number 8.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Battle for the Role of Brady's Backup
Belichick Sets Up Battle for Role as Brady's Backup
by Jeff Howe on Sep 1, 2009 2:03:05 PM
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- From now through the end of the season, if New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick addresses the media at Gillette Stadium, you’ll read about it here. We’ll highlight one lesson learned from each of Belichick’s press conferences and have it ready for you right away.
The Setup: Belichick was asked about Monday’s release of quarterback Kevin O’Connell, the team’s 2008 third-round pick who entered camp as Tom Brady’s primary backup.
What Belichick Said: “Kevin was put in a position last year because of some circumstances. I think he has worked hard, is a very athletic player. I think football is important to him. I like a lot of things about Kevin. Unfortunately, it just didn’t work out here. We’ve got to do what we feel like is best for the team. There’s not a lot of things that I could say to him, like, ‘Well, if you would have done this differently, or you would have done that differently.’ We gave him the opportunities that we could, and we evaluated what we saw from our players and we made decisions based on that. I don’t know really any other way to put it.”
What It Means: One of the side effects of Brady’s injury last season actually hurt O’Connell, who lost his practice squad eligibility because he was on the active roster all year. It’s a quirky rule that can really stunt the development of younger players who need the extra time to grow on a team’s practice squad, a la a redshirt freshman in college.
While O’Connell wasn’t a model of consistency throughout the team’s 2009 training camp and preseason, it was still a shock to see him get cut. He completed just 12-of-26 passes (46.2 percent) for 108 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions this preseason, and he really didn’t show much improvement from last year. Belichick said he “wouldn’t be surprised” if O’Connell wound up playing in this league down the road, but as it currently stood, O’Connell wasn’t ready to make an impact for the Patriots.
This also shows Belichick’s trust in rookie quarterback Brian Hoyer, who became the team’s third-stringer behind Brady and Andrew Walter. For Hoyer to be placed on the practice squad, he’d have to clear waivers -- meaning every team in the NFL would have a chance to claim Hoyer and place him on their active roster -- and re-sign with the Patriots next Sunday. It was obviously a gamble Belichick didn’t want to take, and he chose to release O’Connell instead.
by Jeff Howe on Sep 1, 2009 2:03:05 PM
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- From now through the end of the season, if New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick addresses the media at Gillette Stadium, you’ll read about it here. We’ll highlight one lesson learned from each of Belichick’s press conferences and have it ready for you right away.
The Setup: Belichick was asked about Monday’s release of quarterback Kevin O’Connell, the team’s 2008 third-round pick who entered camp as Tom Brady’s primary backup.
What Belichick Said: “Kevin was put in a position last year because of some circumstances. I think he has worked hard, is a very athletic player. I think football is important to him. I like a lot of things about Kevin. Unfortunately, it just didn’t work out here. We’ve got to do what we feel like is best for the team. There’s not a lot of things that I could say to him, like, ‘Well, if you would have done this differently, or you would have done that differently.’ We gave him the opportunities that we could, and we evaluated what we saw from our players and we made decisions based on that. I don’t know really any other way to put it.”
What It Means: One of the side effects of Brady’s injury last season actually hurt O’Connell, who lost his practice squad eligibility because he was on the active roster all year. It’s a quirky rule that can really stunt the development of younger players who need the extra time to grow on a team’s practice squad, a la a redshirt freshman in college.
While O’Connell wasn’t a model of consistency throughout the team’s 2009 training camp and preseason, it was still a shock to see him get cut. He completed just 12-of-26 passes (46.2 percent) for 108 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions this preseason, and he really didn’t show much improvement from last year. Belichick said he “wouldn’t be surprised” if O’Connell wound up playing in this league down the road, but as it currently stood, O’Connell wasn’t ready to make an impact for the Patriots.
This also shows Belichick’s trust in rookie quarterback Brian Hoyer, who became the team’s third-stringer behind Brady and Andrew Walter. For Hoyer to be placed on the practice squad, he’d have to clear waivers -- meaning every team in the NFL would have a chance to claim Hoyer and place him on their active roster -- and re-sign with the Patriots next Sunday. It was obviously a gamble Belichick didn’t want to take, and he chose to release O’Connell instead.
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