Josh Gordon Could Help Brian Hoyer Silence Johnny Manziel Talk
By Erik Lambert
Sep 22, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon (12) catches a touchdown pass during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Brian Hoyer has the Cleveland Browns in the thick of the playoff race for the first time in years, but he still has to hear the occasional mentions of Johnny Manziel. Indeed no matter what the 29-year old does, he can’t escape the shadow of the Texas A&M phenom and Browns 1st round pick. Why is that?
Well, in simple terms it may be that Hoyer isn’t really lighting the world on fire. He’s mostly been riding a good defense and solid ground game while not making many mistake. For the season he has 2,212 passing yards with 10 touchdowns and four interceptions. He’s only completing 58.5% of his passes but he’s been good about keeping the ball out of harm’s way. It’s much easier to win that way and the Browns have. However, every NFL team knows it will take more than that to get far in the playoffs, which is why Manziel, with ability to create plays via his scrambling ability, continues to garner attention.
That is why the home stretch could prove decisive. Not only will the Browns play a series of tough games, but Hoyer will also get a chance to run the offense at full strength. That is because Pro Bowl wide receiver Josh Gordon will finally return from his latest suspension. People forget that for the short time they worked together in 2013, Hoyer and Gordon had a connection. In just two full games together, they hooked up 14 times for 217 yards and a touchdown. Cleveland Browns fans never got to see how much further that could go because Hoyer tore his ACL in just his third start.
Browns OC: 'We'll make sure to work' to get WR Josh Gordon the ball http://t.co/CeTcStWC3X #NFL #fantasyfootball
— 4for4 Fantasy Football (@4for4football) November 14, 2014
Now Gordon returns with unfinished business and the entire Browns team is anxious to get him back. Brian Hoyer could quietly be the most exciting, because it offers him the best chance he’ll have to erase the Johnny Manziel talk.