In a meeting of first-year starting quarterbacks, Bobby Hoying outplayed the more heralded Kordell Stewart for his first NFL win.
Making only his second pro start, Hoying completed 15 of 31 for 246 yards and threw two touchdowns and no interceptions as the Philadelphia Eagles beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 23-20 on Sunday.
“Bobby has the tools: the arm and the presence on the field,” said receiver Irving Fryar, who had seven catches for 114 yards and a touchdown. “He’s got everything you need to be a presence in the future in the NFL.”
Philadelphia improved to 5-6-1, with all five wins coming at Veterans Stadium. Pittsburgh (8-4) had won seven of its last eight games.
Hoying was calm in the pocket as he faced the blitz-happy Steelers defense.
“It’s fun to finally be playing again,” said Hoying, a star at Ohio State who had been the third-stringer until last week. “When you sit out and don’t play for 1 1/2 years, it’s frustrating.”
After completing only 4 of 18 passes for 37 yards in the first half, Stewart finished 20 of 43 for 294 yards and two touchdowns but was unable to rally the Steelers, who trailed 14-0 in the first quarter. He threw three interceptions as the Eagles collected a season-high five turnovers.
Coach Bill Cowher said Stewart blew hot and cold: “He made some throws and he made some good plays, but he also did some things we’d like to take back.”
