It was October 2009, and the New England Patriots were orchestrating a historic demolition of the Tennessee Titans , leading 45-0 at halftime. The game was far out of reach for the Titans, and so, the Patriots called for Tom Brady ‘s backup, Brian Hoyer. He was a free agent rookie from Michigan State and took over from the second series of the third quarter. The score was 52-0, and that snowy Sunday game was going better than they had imagined. Their ultimate 59-0 win witnessed Hoyer record 9 of 11 passes for 52 yards in his pro debut and also a 1-yard run on his first series. The team set multiple records that day and matched the standard set by HC Bill Belichick.

The coach set lofty standards in Foxborough, where playing good enough was certainly an insult. And now, in a new tal

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