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NFL Cleveland Browns

Brian Hoyer Still Right Man for Cleveland Browns, But For How Long?

By @AnthonyBeers

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Brian Hoyer watched Tom Brady for three years as his backup. He watched the New England Patriots play in the Super Bowl without being able to contribute. He played two games for the Arizona Cardinals in 2012. He went 3-0 for the Cleveland Browns last season before tearing his ACL. This has been the first year in Hoyer’s six years in the NFL as an established starter — and he’s done it with the wrath of “Manziel Mania” over his shoulder the entire year.

After Johnny Manziel had the football world buzzing about his cameo on Sunday that included a touchdown, Browns head coach Mike Pettine finally told the media that Hoyer will remain the starter. He made the logical decision. Starting Manziel this late in the season would be a very risky thing to do.

As for Hoyer, this can be a pivotal moment in his resilient career: he has endured the painful life of a backup for quite some time; the starter life has treated him well, but in recent games he has struggled. Prior to the Houston Texans game three weeks ago, Hoyer had led the Browns to a 6-3 record with 10 touchdowns and four interceptions. But in the past three weeks, Hoyer has thrown just one touchdown to go with six interceptions.

Had he not helped the Browns claw out a victory against the Atlanta Falcons, he may have lost his job to Manziel.

Whether you like him or hate him, a lot of football fans want to see what Manziel can do in the NFL. His personality level is off the charts. He plays football like he lives his life: fast and frantic. Hoyer is lucky that Pettine has handled the media circus around Manziel professionally. He’s made it entirely about football, and that’s why Hoyer is lining up under center on Sunday.

Hoyer wasn’t a Heisman winner. He wasn’t drafted by the San Diego Padres, and he hasn’t been seen publicly intoxicated in recent memory. While that’s the stuff the masses may care about, that’s never been what Hoyer’s about. Hoyer has earned this. He should be commended for his resilience and professionalism. He’s the best quarterback the Browns have seen in over a decade.

True Browns fans know he’s the right man to lead the Browns to battle against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

While all of that is true, there’s no doubt Hoyer’s job is hanging by a thread. His play has been mediocre as of late and the Browns need more if they wish to make a push towards the playoffs. The return of wide receiver Josh Gordon should only help Hoyer as he starts what could be the most meaningful game of his career.

If Hoyer lays an egg and Manziel sees the field, that could very well be the end of the Hoyer era in Cleveland. There’s almost no doubt that Hoyer will want to play somewhere he can start without having to look over his shoulder. There is a lot of pressure on the Browns to make a statement in a very tight division race. They are depending on Hoyer. Will he deliver, or will Manziel take the stage?

With an Indianapolis offense that’s likely to score plenty of points, the pressure is on for Hoyer to match that. Browns football hasn’t been this exciting since Bill Belichick was in town. It ought to be exciting to say the least. Stay tuned.

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