The Cleveland Browns had quarterback Johnny Manziel work with the first team in training camp practice over Brian Hoyer this week and while normally a rookie getting some time with the starters isn't something crazy, with Manziel it's always news and his performance with the first team offense this summer will likely dictate if he starts at all this season over Hoyer.
According to ESPN.com, Manziel worked with the first team offense and while that was a big move for him after working behind earlier, coach Mike Pettine said that it was part of the plan and not much should be taken from it. So far this offseason the Browns have gone out of their way to treat Manziel like a rookie and they have made it clear that it basically it Hoyer's job to lose. Manziel looked solid in practice and he has said that he is learning and working on getting better every day.
Manziel is still expected to be the backup to Hoyer, but this is a big step in his development and if he continues to play well when with the first team, Pettine could consider starting him at points this season. Manziel is likely to get playing time this season even if he doesn't start and if Hoyer gets injured again or the team falters, Manziel may get his chance to be on the field with the team. The Browns are still dealing with the likely suspension of Josh Gordon and that is a big hit for their offense after he led the league in receiving yards last season.
Manziel did not put up great numbers for the team during their scrimmage, but he looked the part of an NFL quarterback and nearly led his team into the end zone. ESPN writes that Manziel put the team into scoring position with a 16 play drive and he also had a TD pass to a tight end that was "incorrectly" ruled incomplete and he should have plenty more chances in camp to impress coaches. Pettine said this was all part of the plan and that not much should be looked into regarding Manziel getting first team snaps, but this is ESPN, the media and the NFL, meaning everything Manziel does is now news to someone.
The Browns are coming into the season after going just 4-12 last year and they ditched both their first round picks from 2012 with Brandon Weeden and Trent Richardson and now they are trying to rebuild again. Pettine comes in after being with the Jets and the Bills and he is a defensive minded coach and that is one reason why the team brought in Kyle Shanahan.
Manziel comes into the league with more behind him than anyone else from this draft class and he has more attention on him in Browns camp than anyone. Manziel has been criticized for his party ways, but what he does on a football field is unmatched and now it remains to be seen whether he can do it in the NFL on Sunday's.
