As a backup quarterback in the NFL, part of your role is preparing the defense for the game ahead by mimicking the tendencies of the QB and offense you’re about to face.
This week, New England Patriots quarterback Brian Hoyer is tasked with playing Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
“When you see some of the throws (Mahomes) makes, it kind of gives me the green light to try to make any throw I want to make,” Hoyer said, via NESN.com on Wednesday. “Maybe try to fit a ball in where I wouldn’t always. It’s always fun for me to emulate a different offense, because whether it’s read option, RPOs, whatever it may be, it’s always an opportunity to get better as a quarterback.”
You may recall the 32-year-old Hoyer from one of the more memorable Chiefs wins in recent memory—Kansas City’s 30-0 wild-card win over the Houston Texans that ended a 22-year playoff win drought. Hoyer started the game for the Texans and threw four interceptions.
After Houston, Hoyer had stints in Chicago and San Francisco before rejoining the Patriots, with whom he started his career, in early November of last season.
Fast-forward nearly a year, and that’s how Hoyer ended up here this week, portraying Mahomes.
“I watched the Sunday night highlights or whatever it is,” Hoyer added. “I remember that throw he made to (tight end Travis) Kelce against Pittsburgh. It basically knocked Kelce down. I mean, it was incredible. If you’re a football fan, you know about other guys, and everything you’ve ever heard about Patrick Mahomes is his arm strength, and he’s definitely proven that this year.”
Good luck mimicking that, Hoyer.