Cleveland Browns Make Safe Play with Brian Hoyer
By Erik Lambert
Aug 9, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer (6) during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
They could’ve heeded to the fans and even some experts, but the Cleveland Browns made the safe call by handing the reigns to Brian Hoyer.
Mike Pettine needs veteran leader with impending loss of Josh Gordon
In the wake of the decision to make Hoyer the starting quarterback on opening day, it’s important to remember a few key factors in the decision. First of all, Mike Pettine is a brand new head coach. He is just starting to learn the ins and outs of his position. Life is made much easier when there is a quarterback under center who has been with the team awhile and knows the personnel. Secondly, one must remember this isn’t the Cleveland Browns offense that will start week one against Pittsburgh. They are about to lose their best offensive weapon, receiver Josh Gordon, to a lengthy suspension for substance abuse. The best thing to have in such a situation is a veteran quarterback who understands what adjustments it will take to make life work without a player of that caliber.
Johnny Manziel too raw and reckless to start
Through two preseason games it became clear to any who watched that Johnny Manziel is not yet that kind of player. Despite obvious physical talent, the 21-year old showed his age by arriving late for practices and then flashing obscene gestures to the opposing sideline when he was struggling on the field. Manziel is still too raw in both his game and his personality to handle an offense that will have to get creative to function. Never mind the fact he still operates with a run-first mentality that has already gotten him hit a few more times than Cleveland would prefer. That kind of recklessness won’t fly at the NFL level.
Brian Hoyer may not be the longterm answer for Cleveland, but he at least can keep the train on the tracks until the time comes for a new engineer to take over.