If New England intends to eventually trade quarterback Brian Hoyer or Ryan Mallett in a future deal, consider Thurday night’s 47-12 preseason win over the Jaguars a big success.
Both quarterbacks looked very sharp against Jacksonville. Hoyer doesn’t have the pedigree of, say, Kevin Kolb. But he could attract some interest eventually.
NFL Network’s Mike Lombardi said that when he was interviewing with the 49ers for a personnel job this offseason, he told them he would go after Hoyer as a cheap and promising alternative at quarterback. The former undrafted player has steadily improved; he made a number of tough throws while completing 15-of-21 passes for 171 yards and a score Thursday.
Mallett was even more impressive because it was his first game. Scouts crushed him for his slow foot speed, but he made defenders miss by moving in the pocket multiple times while keeping his eyes downfield. That’s a trait that’s tough to teach. Mallett had great zip on the ball while going 12-for-19 for 164 yards and a touchdown.
It’s easy to see Mallett attracting a bigger trade offer than Hoyer in the future, but neither deal would be shocking. It also wouldn’t shock us if some impatient Patriots fans call for Mallett to play sometime in 2012 after a rough Tom Brady game.
After all, there are still some Patriots fans that prefer Drew Bledsoe to Brady. Sad but true.