It’s time for Johnny Manziel in Cleveland
By Ryan Disdier
Sorry, Brian Hoyer, but it’s time for the Cleveland Browns to start Johnny Manziel.
I’ve been on Johnny Watch since his first preseason game, though I was always adamant in my belief that Brian Hoyer was the right quarterback at the time, and I stand by that belief. I think if Cleveland started Manziel from day one, he would’ve stumbled out of the gate and I don’t think Cleveland would be sitting at a pleasantly surprising 7-5. However, the Browns need an offensive surge if they want to make the playoffs. Now that’s not to say Brian Hoyer has been awful, mind you.
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I think it’s pretty fair to say Hoyer has pretty much been what we expected him to be. Nobody– at least nobody I talked to — believed Hoyer was going to be the next Kurt Warner, but at the same time, I don’t think many thought he would be comparable to JaMarcus Russell either.
Hoyer’s 11 touchdowns, 10 interceptions and 79.9 quarterback rating (according to NFL.com) is the stuff you’d like to see from a reliable backup, not a starting quarterback. Hoyer started 2014 hot, as he only threw one interception in his first five games, but in the month of November, Hoyer has thrown eight interceptions. Those are the kind numbers I would expect from a player like Jake Locker. Hoyer was pulled in the second half (as I correctly predicted) of last Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills, and we were finally able to see Johnny Manziel get some substantial playing time at quarterback.
Manziel was thrust into the game, scored a rushing touchdown and then proceeded to do his trademark “money” sign. Manziel finished the game and completed five of his eight throws. While it was no MVP performance, Manziel obviously gave the offense a jolt.
“He’s a rookie, he’s still learning. If Coach [Mike Pettine] is ready for him, to give him the nod, he’ll be ready to go.”
If the Browns want to miss the playoffs, then by all means, they should start Brian Hoyer. Hoyer will continue to be just ‘okay,’ and the Browns record will reflect that. However, if Cleveland wants to make a postseason push, starting Johnny Manziel is a must. He can make throws, he can make runs and he’s a proven winner, albeit at the collegiate level. His natural confidence makes seasoned-veterans have faith in him, and I know he probably won’t say it, but I guarantee he thinks he should’ve been the starter since week 1.
It’s not like the Browns drafted Manziel in the first round to have him hold a clipboard forever.
He adds versatility to the offense, as his legs are almost as lethal as his arm. While some people say Manziel is too “sandlot,” his improvisation under duress is Oscar-worthy. We always talk about Tony Romo‘s and Ben Roethlisberger‘s ability to extend the play, and that’s an uncanny ability Manziel possesses as well.
Manziel just has a particular swagger that he brings to the game that many quarterbacks lack. Playing Manziel, a vastly more unique player than Hoyer, would benefit the offense in spades, particularly Josh Gordon. A Manziel-Gordon connection would be dangerous, and it could very well be what the Browns need to claim a playoff spot. I think the rest of the Browns understand the talent that Manziel possesses, and it’s time for the coaches to fully utilize that talent. He’s a modern day Joe Namath off the field and an electrifying player on the field.
In a way, this is somewhat similar to the situation that transpired in Denver during the 2011 season. The Broncos had a unorthodox , ultra-popular, Heisman-winning quarterback named Tim Tebow (remember him?) on the roster, but they went with the established pro Kyle Orton instead. Although there aren’t any “Start Johnny Manziel” billboards in Cleveland, it’s not an exaggeration to say the city is dying to see Johnny Football play.
Hell, even LeBron James is clamoring for his buddy Manziel to play. “I know he’s ready to go,” James said when asked about Manziel. “He’s a rookie, he’s still learning. If Coach [Mike Pettine] is ready for him, to give him the nod, he’ll be ready to go.”
Although head coach Mike Pettine has yet to officially name a starting quarterback, Johnny Manziel is the only way to go. Cleveland’s next game is at home against the high-powered Indianapolis Colts, and I just don’t see any way a Brian Hoyer-led offense can compete with Andrew Luck‘s Colts. Indianapolis is 22nd in total defense, so it’s not like Manziel is getting thrown into a game against a divisional rival like Baltimore or Pittsburgh. The Browns should give the start to Johnny at home, give the people what they want and see what you have brewing at the quarterback position. Remember, Brian Hoyer is in a contract year, so Manziel’s play down the stretch could have a big impact on what kind of deal, if any, the Browns are comfortable offering Hoyer.
Brian Hoyer still believes he should be the starting quarterback, though. Hoyer told the media, “You don’t get to 7-5 in the NFL by lucking in to it.” Hoyer would go on to say, “We won three games last year when I started; 10-5 as a starting quarterback, that’s not bad.”
The former Michigan State Spartan has a point, but you also don’t get benched in the NFL by getting unlucky either.