Following the retirement of Andrew Luck, the Indianapolis Colts had to find a new backup quarterback with Jacoby Brissett becoming the starter. That turned them to the veteran in Brian Hoyer.
2019 Stats
Games Played: 4
Snaps: 130 (12.1%)
Completion Percentage: 53.8%
Passing Yards: 372
Touchdowns: 4
Interceptions: 4
Yards per Attempt: 5.7
Season Review
The expectation was that Hoyer would serve as a veteran voice to Brissett while also working as the backup in case anything happened. While he didn’t log a snap throughout the first half of the season, Hoyer saw some action during the Week 9 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers when Brissett suffered an MCL sprain.
Hoyer played well in the road loss, tossing three touchdowns but one costly interception. He then got the start the following week against the Miami Dolphins, which ended in a disastrous upset loss. He threw three interceptions at home in what was the worst loss of the season.
He only made pass attempts in those two games and is under contract for the next two seasons.
Offseason Outlook
It isn’t yet clear how badly the Colts feel they need to address the quarterback position this offseason. If they stick with Brissett, Hoyer’s job as the backup is likely safe. However, if the Colts make a move to bring in a rookie quarterback through the draft, Hoyer could be fighting for a roster spot. He has a salary cap hit of $5 million if he’s still on the roster in March.
Conclusion
Hoyer gave the Colts exactly what he’s done his entire career. He showed flashes of being a competent starter but when it came to actually carrying the offense, he crumbled. If the Colts don’t make a move at quarterback this offseason, Hoyer should be expected to be the backup in 2020.
