QUARTERBACKS:
Starter -- Tom Brady.
Backups -- Brian Hoyer, Ryan Mallett.
About
to turn 35, Brady shows no signs of slowing down at this point. His
105.6 rating from last fall was the third-best of his career as he
topped 5,000 yards for the first time and notched 39 touchdowns,
second-highest of his career.
With the addition of Brandon Lloyd at
receiver, there is no reason Brady can't continue to put up huge
numbers for one of the best offenses in football. He's battled some
lingering arm problems over the years and probably doesn't have quite
the same zip he once had on his throws, but what he's lost in physical
tools he's gained in experience and mechanical improvements. Hoyer is
heading into his fourth season after not getting any interest in
restricted free agency.
Though he threw just a single pass in 2011, he
is clearly comfortable in the New England offense at this point, and
some believe he could be a starter in the league. But there remain
questions about his arm strength and overall physical tools. Mallett
has worked hard in his first year-plus in New England.
He's the
opposite of Hoyer in that he has a rocket arm and great size, but has
yet to look comfortable in his reads and decision making. Either way
he's the backup of the future, and if all goes well could be Brady's
heir.
INSIDER’S TAKE: Jon
Scott (@jscottNFL) There is no reason to think that Mallett or Hoyer
will get
significant playing time without a serious injury to Brady. Should that happen, it’s
doubtful Mallett has
absorbed enough of the offense to carry the team the way Matt Cassel
did in
2008. Hoyer,
despite his experience,
has limited upside, and some pro evaluators wonder if he’ll be anything
more
than a career backup.