San Francisco

So Far, 49ers Quarterback Hoyer Isn't Earning a Passing Grade

Niners quarterback isn't completing passes downfield to stretch the defense, and the offense is sputtering as a result after two games

Brian Hoyer saw the same thing a lot of San Francisco 49ers fans saw Sunday. Hoyer saw subpar play from the San Francisco quarterback position in a 12-9 loss to the Seahawks in Seattle.

“I have to play a lot better,” Hoyer told reporters after the game. “I’m disappointed with myself.”

In a game in which the 49ers defense did its job (mostly), holding the Seahawks to 12 points, Hoyer had a disappointing day at CenturyLink Field. Even an average performance by Hoyer could have delivered the 49ers a victory in Seattle for the first time since 2011.

But Hoyer completed just 15-of-27 throws for 99 yards, an abysmal average of just 3.6 yards per passing attempt.

“I think he looked like he struggled out there,” said head coach Kyle Shanahan. “Obviously we did not do a good job in the passing game.”

The analytic website Pro Football Focus, in fact, gave Hoyer a brutal grade for the game.

“Hoyer was provided solid protection for the majority of the game (under pressure in just five attempts) but was unable to find open targets, throwing for just 99 yards,” wrote PFF. “Lack of separation for his targets and inaccuracies made it a tough day as Hoyer attempted just three passes over 10 yards with zero completions.”

According to ESPN Stats & Info, Hoyer’s inability to throw the ball effectively downfield has been a key issue in the 49ers’ passing attack. Against Seattle, Hoyer averaged just 2.9 yards in the air on his 15 completions and was 0-for-4 on passes that traveled 10 or more yards. Through two games, Hoyer is 2-of-13 with two interceptions on passes of 10 or more yards this season.  As a 49er in 2017, Hoyer has a very poor quarterback rating of 60.7, far below his career mark of 83.6.

As Daniel Brown of the Bay Area News Group noted, the passing game foibles have been a big part of the shaky offense that has yet to produce a touchdown. In 21 possessions, the Niners have 11 punts, four field goals, two interceptions, a lost fumble and have turned the ball over on downs three times.

As the 49ers prepare for a Thursday night game vs. the Los Angeles Rams, Hoyer knows he needs to play better, quickly.

“I have to execute,” he said. “For me, I’m looking at myself right now. What can I do to help this team win?”

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