Nov 30, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) runs with the ball against the Cleveland Browns during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Browns 26-10. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
The Ultimate Verdict:
At the moment it seems that Manziel is the most attractive option for the Browns. As a writer and casual fan of the Browns, I have personally labored over the decision. As I stated earlier in the year with the Buffalo Bills and E.J. Manuel, I believe a starting QB needs to have time in order to prove himself before he can yanked in replacement of a rookie. Like E.J. Manuel, I believe Hoyer does have talent. However, he has been fairly inconsistent and has the majority of his throws to receivers.
The last straw for Mike Pettine was Hoyer’s final game against the Colts in which Hoyer threw for two interceptions and little over 100 yards. Hoyer was awesome to start out the season. In his first nine games, Hoyer seemed like that guy to take this team to the promise land. He was completing his passes for big yardage and big touchdowns. As of late though, he hasn’t. With a 1-3 record, 245 yards and 50.2% completion per game, eight interceptions, 48.475 passer rating and just one touchdown in the past four games, Brian Hoyer has rightfully been yanked.
Johnny Manziel proved against the Bills he could play well. On his first drive he was able to score a touchdown rushing the football. He also passed for 63 yards on five of eight passes in the game. That performance (even against the Bills), proved to us that Manziel is not the joke that people claim him to be. For an offense such as the Browns, they are so many weapons. Starting with rookie running backs Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell, Johnny Manziel has the ability to lead a high-powered option attack. On the flip side, with WRs Josh Gordon, Andrew Hawkis, and tight end Jordan Cameron, Manziel has a pretty dynamic offense.
What makes Manziel such a better choice would have to be his multi-facedetness. With Hoyer, he has rushing ability in long runs, but not typical option runs. I think that Manziel could use Crowell and West as a part of an unstoppable option attack. That’s just one man’s opinion.
Regardless though, the Browns still have Cincinnati, Baltimore and Carolina left on their schedule. They can still make it into the playoffs if they win all of their scheduled games and if Pittsburgh loses at least one game.
The point of this article is this: While the decision to remove Hoyer may have been unpopular, the Browns have three games left till the post season and will need all of the offensive firepower it can get. Hoyer has proved to be ineffective, while Manziel has looked fresh and precise. He can run and he can throw accurately and that is the difference.
Although I thought I’d never say it. It’s Johnny Football’s time now, folks.