Brian Hoyer News

Well, besides the rhythmic cadence of their names - Schaub, Kolb and a whole lot of Matts - each of these players signed big, starting quarterback contracts after serving as backups.

We hear it every year at this time, the backup quarterback is one of the most important positions on the roster.

ESPN's AFC East blogger, James Walker, asked his readers this week to pick the next top quarterback in the division, after Tom Brady retires .

Yes, the start of training camps is two months away, but it's never too early to consider the coming season.

Earlier Wednesday, we wrote a column on the New England Patriots ' likely future struggles without Tom Brady .

The 2012 New England Patriots are a much-improved unit compared to that of 2011.

Penn State head football coach Bill O'Brien speaks during the Coaches Caravan event in New York, Wednesday, May 9, 2012.

Tom Brady [ stats ] 's not the only stylish New England Patriot these days - Julian Edelman, Stephen Gostkowski and Brian Hoyer, along with GQ magazine's executive merchandising director Brett Fahlgren, hosted a celebration of Gucci's spring/summer 2012 men's suit collection at the brand's Prudential Center boutique last night.