The Facts: The will roll with Brian Hoyer to start the season. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday morning that Hoyer was named the starter to open the 2015 season, according to two sources informed of the decision.
Diehards Line:
On Sunday, coach Bill O'Brien said he would make a decision about a starter when he was "comfortable." Apparently he'd seen enough of Ryan Mallett to move forward with Hoyer under center. Hoyer was the safe choice. O'Brien believes the 29-year-old can run his offense without making mistakes. Mallett was viewed from the outside as the sexier option, with a big arm who can make NFL throws. However, when he steps on the field, the glimmer fades. On Saturday, Mallett had a chance with the first-team offense to try and knock Hoyer out of the top spot. Instead he flopped. The lackluster performance and inconsistent management made it easier for O'Brien to move forward with Hoyer. Naming a starter prior to the third game of the preseason was the smart move for O'Brien. Allowing Hoyer to play a significant portion of the dress rehearsal with the starting unit without having to look over his shoulder should help the offense gel heading into the regular season. We'll see how it turns out for fantasy prospects of greater interest than the QB, like DeAndre Hopkins