KC Chiefs should have easier time vs Patriots with Brian Hoyer at quarterback
The KC Chiefs will now face Brian Hoyer instead of Cam Newton, making this game a little easier for the reigning Super Bowl champions.
Cam Newton tested positive for COVID-19 and is out against the Kansas City Chiefs. Initially when this news broke, it was simply just that Newton was out, but then the game was in jeopardy as the league had to test everyone from the Patriots several times before being able to go forward with the match-up. Now, however, the game has been moved to Monday evening and it’ll be Brian Hoyer taking the snaps for the Patriots.
With Newton not available for this Week 4 match-up between the Chiefs and the Patriots, things got a little easier for Kansas City. No offense to Hoyer, but he’s not exactly a quarterback that opponents fear. Hoyer last started a game last year when he was with the Colts and appeared in four games total that year, finishing 2019 with 372 yards, four touchdowns, and four interceptions.
The last time the Chiefs faced Hoyer was when he was with the Texans and the two teams met up in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs. It didn’t go well for Hoyer, who went just 15 of 34 for 136 yards and four interceptions in a 30-0 route.
With Cam Newton out vs the #Chiefs due to a COVID-19 positive test, the #Patriots are expected to start Brian Hoyer vs KC whenever it is, sources say. Not a surprise, as he was the other QB active besides Newton.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 3, 2020
The KC Chiefs might have caught a break regarding who they’ll face at quarterback, but the Patriots will be competitive.
Even with Newton not playing, don’t expect the Patriots to just roll over and let the Chiefs cruise to victory. When Patrick Mahomes missed two starts last year, Kansas City still went 1-1 and that’s because of good coaching by Andy Reid. It’s the same thing with the Patriots, as Bill Belichick will put his team in a good position to compete in the game.
The biggest break here for the Chiefs is that they won’t have to game plan for a running quarterback, as Hoyer is not one to take off and run with the football. He has just 115 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns in his 11-year career while Newton is someone who can take off with the pigskin at any moment. That should make things easier for the Chiefs defense.
Hoyer is going to have his work cut out for him against this Chiefs defense that looked like they picked back up from their Super Bowl performance and that’s why it’s hard to pick against the Kansas City Chiefs. They’re going up against a backup quarterback and the game will be at Arrowhead Stadium.
Still, never count out a Belichick-led Patriots team.
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