Brian Hoyer certainly carries some wisdom from his time in the NFL.
The New England Patriots backup quarterback has been in the league for 13 years and seven of them have been in Foxborough. He knows, more than most people, about the rigorous grind in New England and he understands how to navigate it.
Because of this, Hoyer relayed some very simple advice to Mac Jones.
“I’m telling him, ‘Dude, you’ve got to smile sometimes. This is supposed to be fun,’” Hoyer said to reporters, via WEEI. “To see him coming off, see a little emotion and energy this past week, we just have to keep improving and keep that going. For me, it’s a pleasure first and foremost to be part of this team and organization. I love the guys in that locker room, but to take on this role in my 13th year with the knowledge I have accumulated over the years in this offense, I am always trying to point something out, or he has a question, that’s part of my job. So, it’s always great to see him continue to progress and continue getting better.”
When it comes to Hoyer’s relationship with Jones, he’s thoroughly enjoying it.
“It’s been great,” he said. “First, the thing you notice about Mac and everybody sees it is he’s a very mature 23-year-old. It’s been great. The thing I have been so impressed with him is he’s constantly trying to learn, constantly trying to get better — no matter what the situation. Whether it’s after a game, in a practice and you can see the wheels are always turning. He’s always thinking what can he do better, how can he do it better. I think him being as mature as he is, he’s done that pretty quickly. This is my 13th year, there’s always room to improve, so for him he’s always looking where he can improve, asks great questions, takes a lot of great notes. He’s done a great job.”
Jones has thrown for 1,779 yards, nine touchdowns and six interceptions in seven games — with a 70.4 completion percentage. He’s improving each game and had his first 300-yard performance last week in a rout of the New York Jets.
The accolades and success will come — but, as Hoyer stated, it’d be beneficial to have some fun during the journey.
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