Cleveland Browns: Johnny Manziel looking better and better
The Cleveland Browns thought they might just be able to throw Josh McCown into the starting lineup and take a very talented defense and phenomenal offensive line to the playoffs if he didn’t come in and make that many mistakes.
After two preseason games, it’s become apparent that the answer to their major questions at quarterback might not yet be solved.
Johnny Manziel, a first round pick in 2014 and former Heisman trophy winner, is looking better and better both times I have seen him play. Manziel faced a ton of scrutiny this offseason, and for good reason, but he appears to have re-dedicated himself to the craft and looks much improved as a passer and decision maker.
In fact, in Thursday night’s loss to E.J. Manuel and the Buffalo Bills, Manziel made possibly the best throw I’ve see him make yet as a professional as he avoided pressure, rolled to his left, and threw a ball across his body deep downfield for a completion.
It’s that kind of playmaking ability that made Manziel a Heisman winner and first round pick, but it’s also his recklessness outside of the pocket that caused people to shake their heads at what could be. This version of Manziel looks much more poised to lead a team, and perhaps lead the Browns through this season into a playoff berth. Of course, we have to take what we see with a grain of salt. This was not the top defense of the Buffalo Bills featuring one Pro Bowl player after another. Josh McCown had to struggle through some of that, and in fact, threw two interceptions while looking horrendous against Rex Ryans’ ‘top’ crew on the night. Manziel got the backups, and completed 10 of 18 passes for 118 yards and a touchdown. The touchdown toss, by the way, was a beautiful one and a perfect pass from Johnny to his receiver Shane Wynn.
Video: Johnny Manziel completes 21-yard pass to Shane Wynn. Watch > http://t.co/xeUcvD72Ie pic.twitter.com/bVF7HqILSJ
— Athlete Swag (@AthleteSwag) August 21, 2015
It was a good enough performance that Manziel had himself trending on Twitter Thursday night despite it being the 2nd half of a preseason football game featuring the Bills and Browns.
Meanwhile, Johnny Manziel looks like a much more settled QB. Maybe it’s OC John DeFilippo, maybe maturity. He’s giving them a tough decision
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 21, 2015
"I want to have these guys go into the film tomorrow.. and say this guy's doing things right." -@JManziel2 http://t.co/z8KebsZzPT
— NFL (@NFL) August 21, 2015
He’s ditched the money sign, but we might see more of the Texas A&M version of Manziel — perhaps better — as the season progresses for the Browns.