Johnny Manziel is about to get very familiar with a clipboard. The quarterback recently admitted that he was not fully familiar with the playbook and now the Cleveland Browns are giving him plenty of time to catchup. Head coach Mike Pettine announced on Wednesday that Brian Hoyer would be the starting quarterback for the Browns, noting it had more to do with leadership and knowledge than anything else. With Manziel struggles, do the Cleveland Browns make a trade to add another strong quarterback to the roster before the season starts?
Neither Hoyer nor Manziel have impressed so far in the preseason. Both quarterbacks have seen their struggles through two games, but Pettine believes that Hoyer has the leadership and veteran knowledge to be the best starting option for the Browns right now.
"He was the clear leader from the beginning," Pettine said, via ESPN.com. "We've maintained all along that if it was close, I would prefer to go with the more experienced player. Brian has done a great job in the meeting rooms and with his teammates on the practice field and in the locker room."
Manziel's transition into the NFL has not exactly been the easiest. The quarterback cannot seem to keep his name out of the headlines. Arriving late to practice and giving the finger to the Washington Redskins on Monday Night Football did not help his case to become a starter. However, Pettine notes that those issues were not what made his decision, but more Manziel's struggles with the playbook and new system.
NFL media Insider Ian Rapoport is reporting that Manziel is struggling with play calls and the verbiage of offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan's system. The learning curve has been steep for the former Texas A&M standout and because of that, Hoyer is the better option at starter. Despite having Rex Grossman at the third-string position, will Manziel's struggles force the Browns to add someone?
According to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Bronws are not considering adding any other quarterbacks to the roster and will keep the three they have through the season. There are certainly options if Pettine were to change his mind. Right now, Christian Ponder is requesting a move from the Minnesota Vikings. The Philadelphia Eagles are shopping Mark Sanchez. Matt McGloin of the Oakland Raiders could also be available at the right price.
Manziel will come along once he gets over the initial rookie bumps. Pettine notes he has faith in the quarterback to become a quality player for Cleveland and the league, it will just take time.
"He's certainly made great strides," Pettine said. "We are pleased with where he is, and he has shown that he has come a long way in his ability to pick up the playbook, be coachable and lead an offense. We are confident that Johnny is going to have a great future, but we just felt that Brian still had a decided edge on him."
