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Johnny Manziel and Tyrod Taylor Facing Pivotal Moment

By Erik Lambert

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Aug 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) on the sidelines during the fourth quarter of preseason NFL football game against the Washington Redskins at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Several quarterback battles remain in limbo but to anyone with eyes it’s clear that most of them are already sewn up.  Two that aren’t rest on the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills rosters.  How fitting then that the two teams go against each other in week 2 of the preseason.

For the Browns, the make-or-break moment rests on the shoulders of Johnny Manziel.  The second-year quarterback has performed much better this time around than last season, but most experts still believe the starting job belongs to veteran Josh McCown.  This week may represent the last, best chance Manziel has to convince the coaches he’s the better option.

Why?  Ironically the Bills defense.  It ranks among the very best in the NFL and McCown will have to go against the starters early in the game.  Provided that defense shows up and forces him to struggle, it could open the door for Manziel.  His job will then be putting up a solid showing whenever he gets in the game.  It’s a long shot, but could convince head coach Mike Pettine to give him an extended look with the starters.

On the flip side, the Bills also have an interesting situation developing.  Tyrod Taylor, who has spent his entire career as a backup in Baltimore, joined Buffalo hoping for his shot at starting.  Thanks to hard work and the poor play of his competition, the 26-year old has his chance.   There is no doubt his accurate passing and notable ability to run make him intriguing, but he needs to prove it against the best competition.

If he can deliver against the Browns starting defense, it will be difficult to see head coach Rex Ryan changing course from there.  Taylor may end up pulling off the biggest upset of the preseason, beating out a trade acquisition (Matt Cassel) and former 1st round pick (E.J. Manuel) to become a starter.

And who said August football was boring?

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