Brian Hoyer took the first snaps at quarterback when the New England Patriots commenced their first padded practice at training camp on Monday. But few expect him to finish training camp at the No. 1 spot on the depth chart. He had a good shot — until the Patriots signed Cam Newton, who now seems like the favorite to win the QB1 job.
Hoyer discussed that competition and the addition of Newton while speaking with WEEI sports radio on Monday before practice.
“Look, I think Coach (Bill) Belichick says every position is a competition no matter what it is every year,” Hoyer told WEEI. “So I think for me, I know going in that I am always going to compete like I am trying to be the starting quarterback. I did that when Tom was here. I know that was never going to happen because of who he was, but that pushed me to be better.
“Adding another great quarterback like Cam to the room, it only makes us that much more competitive and that is going to bring out the best in all of us.”
For Hoyer, this opportunity — even with Newton likely to steal away the starting job — is probably the best thing for him. Certainly, the timing lined up nicely for Hoyer.
“When Tom left to go to Tampa and I was released by the Colts, I thought this possibly could happen and then when it did I was just real excited,” he said. “Like I said, the NFL, it’s ever-changing. If anyone knows that it’s me. I have moved around and had to deal with it a lot. Like I said, for me the opportunity to come back, I was just really excited to come back.”
Hoyer has the most experience in New England’s system among all quarterbacks in the competition. Jarrett Stidham, a 2019 fourth-round draft choice, beat out Hoyer for the backup job last year, so that bodes well for the youngster. But then, of course, there’s Newton.
Newton’s presence comes with a tremendous amount of energy, according to his new Patriots teammates. Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels have commented upon Newton’s tremendous experience. He has an MVP award and Super Bowl appearance, after all. But that success pales in comparison to the quarterback he’s trying to replace: Tom Brady (six Super Bowl wins).
