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Johnny Manziel Starting Makes Cleveland Browns Schedule More Interesting

By Erik Lambert

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Jul 30, 2015; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) during training camp at the Cleveland Browns practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

So far the coaches have stuck by their word stating that the Cleveland Browns starting quarterback job is Josh McCown’s to lose.  The 35-year old veteran has what they’re looking for in terms of experience, skill set and leadership in the huddle.  On top of that he has a long track record of being a great mentor for younger quarterbacks.

If that’s true, then he may be having an effect with Johnny Manziel.

The second-year quarterback is having an excellent training camp thus far, and the rest of the NFL is beginning to take notice.

A 1st round pick last year by Cleveland, Manziel crashed to earth hard when he played horribly at the end of the season and then landed in rehab during the off-season.  Most wrote him off as an early bust at that point, refusing to believe he could ever get over his immature ways.

Now here he is, playing with quiet confidence and seemingly embracing the work it takes to make himself better.  That puts the starting position in a much grayer area.  While McCown remains the favorite, one thing is clear.

The 2015 schedule would be a lot more interesting if Manziel started.

Opening In The Big Apple

Admit it.  How big a circus would it be for Johnny Football to start his comeback trail in the largest media market in the world?  That is what would happen when the Brown open up at MetLife Stadium against the New York Jets.  Manziel would have to deal with that strong defense, throwing at corners like Darrelle Revis and handling pressure from Muhammad Wilkerson.  Quite a way to start things off, especially if he plays well.

Showdown With Derek Carr

Of the four quarterbacks who started as rookies in 2014, Manziel came out as the worst of the lot.  Far ahead him was Derek Carr of the Oakland Raiders.  Keep in mind Manziel was selected 22nd overall in the draft.  Carr didn’t go until early in the 2nd round.  So this matchup will be a proving ground for both quarterbacks, as well as a chance to gain bragging rights over who should’ve rightfully gone off the board first last year.

Rematch Against The Bengals

Bet any money you have that this is the game Johnny Manziel will circle on his calendar if he gets the starting job this season.  While he didn’t play well in any game last year, his greatest humiliation came at the hands of the Cincinnati Bengals.  In an ugly 30-0 thrashing, they held him to just 10-of-18 passing for 80 yards and two interceptions while sacking him three times.  All of this while they mocked him with his trademark money sign.

It was the singular game that critics pointed to as validation he will never succeed in the NFL.  It also may end up being the game that shows whether he learns from his mistakes.

Weathering The Noise

There is no greater test of maturity for a quarterback on the field than playing in a hostile stadium against a good defense.  Manziel and the Browns would run that gauntlet late in the season when they pay visits to Seattle and Kansas City in back-to-back weeks, arguably the two best defenses in the league playing in the two loudest stadiums.

Winning the game will be important, but for the young quarterback it will be about whether or not he can keep his head and execute in those surroundings.

That will speak more about his maturity than any interview could.

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