Browns QB Johnny Manziel Getting Exactly What He Needs
Nov 6, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) during warmups prior to the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Browns are 6-3, and in first place in the AFC North. Wait, what?
That’s right. In case you missed Thursday night’s debacle, the Cincinnati Bengals completely imploded at home and it was all thanks to the dominance of the Cleveland Browns.
A three-headed running game featuring Terrance West, Ben Tate, and Isaiah Crowell didn’t make many big plays — none of the backs averaged four yards per carry — but they combined for 170 yards on 52 carries with three touchdowns, more than any rush attempts any team has tried in a single game this season.
The Browns also used a dominant defense that picked off three passes from Andy Dalton and allowed just a field goal on the game.
The impressive performance by the Browns is really a reward for the way they have played most of the season. Yes, they have three losses, but they are in control of the AFC North right now and have a really great opportunity for rookie quarterback Johnny Manziel.
Brian Hoyer isn’t exactly getting everyone to rush to the Fantasy Football waiver wire and pick him up for their teams, but he’s playing efficient football and doing a great job of facilitating the offense, and when he plays mistake-free football, the Browns are going to be tough to beat. That has allowed them to keep Manziel on the bench, for now, and probably for the duration of this season unless there’s an injury.
Manziel is getting the opportunity that so many rookie quarterbacks playing for top 10 teams (in terms of draft picks) don’t usually get. If a team spends a first-round draft pick on a quarterback, in today’s NFL, it’s a near sure bet that they are going to play at some point in their rookie season.
A lot of guys fail while trying to learn on the job. A lot of guys fail after sitting and learning. It’s just the nature of the game. However, with Manziel, the Browns are getting exactly what was best for both Manziel and for their team. They are in first place, Manziel is developing, and fans aren’t clamoring for him to come onto the field because, well, there’s really no need yet.
As Manziel continues to develop, the Browns continue to win games. That’s the best case scenario they could have envisioned when drafting him, and they have the privilege of seeing it come to light.