National Football League

Browns stand by Hoyer despite his struggles

Published Nov. 24, 2014 5:45 p.m. ET

foxsports

CLEVELAND (AP) Brian Hoyer's crucial mistakes nearly cost the Browns a win. However, the interceptions did not come close to getting the quarterback yanked off the field.

Browns coach Mike Pettine said Monday that he never considered taking Hoyer out of Sunday's game in Atlanta and replacing him with rookie Johnny Manziel. Hoyer threw three picks against the Falcons, but shook them off and led the Browns on a late drive to set up Billy Cundiff's winning field goal on the final play.

Pettine praised Hoyer's ''resolve'' and for being accountable.

Wide receiver Andrew Hawkins said although Hoyer may have been briefly shaken by the interceptions, ''the entire team has so much confidence in him.''

Hoyer improved to 10-4 as a starter in two seasons with the Browns (7-4), who will play Buffalo next Sunday.

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