According to head coach Mike Pettine, the Cleveland Browns are now Johnny Manziel's team. Whether that is for the long-term or the short-term future remains to be seen. Manziel did not offer up a lot in his first start as the Cincinnati Bengals made quick work of the rookie while handing the Browns a shutout loss. However, no one has lost any faith in the quarterback moving forward, further putting Brian Hoyer's future in doubt.
Pettine announced on Monday that the Browns would be moving forward with Manziel as the starting quarterback. The head coach made note that they could have played anyone at quarterback on Sunday and still lost the game, removing some of the blame from Manziel's shoulders. According to the head coach, Manziel gives the Browns the best chance to win over Brian Hoyer while the rookie admits the loss was humbling.
"First time I've ever not scored a point or been shut out," Manziel said, via ESPN.com. "Played in a lot of games, through high school and through college. Never been shut out, so it's definitely tough. You don't really envision that in your head. I left some throws on the field I would have wanted back. ... I felt like I could do everything I needed to from the pocket yesterday. Whenever I did have the chance to break the pocket, I felt some things happened where we weren't able to capitalize on."
Manziel did not exactly get much help from his teamamtes as his offensive line barely blocked for him. The run game could not get moving. The defense struggled against the Bengals' attack. Pettine agreed that the Brown played poorly in all areas of the game, but he believed there were flashes of good things that give him hope for the future.
With Manziel likely staying put in Cleveland, what happens to Hoyer who got the Browns to this position in the first place? With Adam Schefter of ESPN reporting the quarterback plans to leave in free agency, will there be a team that starts him? According to NJ.com, the Jets could be favorites to sign the quarterback to start over Geno Smith. The Washington Redskins could make a move on him if Colt McCoy does not return and Robert Griffin III is traded. The Chicago Bears would show interest depending on the future of Jay Cutler. Manziel is the future of Cleveland, at least for now, which means Hoyer has no reason to stick around.
