Just a few weeks ago, every Browns fan was ready to turn out the lights on the 2013 season at First Energy Stadium.
With a quick 0-2 start, the season had already looked doomed. In addition, the trading of 2012 1st round selection running back Trent Richardson, and the injury to starting quarterback Brandon Weeden, convinced the new Browns organization was ready to tank the 2013 season for higher hopes in 2014.
But an unlikely thing occurred in week three when third string QB and Cleveland native Brian Hoyer stepped onto the field. Hoyer, a backup with only one start under his belt led the Browns to an impressive come from behind 31-27 win against the Minnesota Vikings.
Hoyer followed up his improbable performance in Minnesota with an impressive performance, and a thrilling 17-6 win over a tough Cincinnati Bengals team who appeared poised to take the AFC North by the throat this season.
Hoyer was efficient going 25 for 38 for 269 yards and 2 touchdowns. For the first time in recent memory, the Browns had a field general who looked cool, collected, and in full control of the offense. This is something that Cleveland has not had since coming back into the league in 1999.
This begs the question. Have the Browns found their answer at the most important position in football?
Growing up in the greater Cleveland area and attending the local and national powerhouse Saint Ignatius High, Hoyer earned AP Division I All-State player honors his senior year. Hoyer would go on to attend Michigan State University where he caught the eye of New England head coach Bill Belichick.
In 2009, Hoyer signed with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent. After suffering a season-ending ACL injury during the Browns 37-24 win over the Buffalo Bills, the spark that Hoyer brought both the team and his title-starved hometown, will only wet the appetites of Browns fans for his return in 2014.
If Hoyer can maintain the same composure, poise, touch and accuracy that he displayed in his two starts in 2013, that—along with the lights-out performance of the Browns stout 3-4 defense under new defensive coordinator Ray Horton, the Browns could for the first time in a long time, be relevant in the AFC North.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
