Johnny Manziel Leads NFL Quarterbacks Playing For Their Jobs

Nov 30, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Ravens won 33-27. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Head coaches and general managers are the only high-profile people who should be fearing for their jobs this time of year in the NFL.  Quarterbacks also start to feel the heat.  They know a strong or bad December is often the difference between a contract extension and looking for work on the street the next year.

A number of notable names sit in that fringe area knowing they could be just one or two more losses from losing out on a dream.  Who are these men and what might their chances be of saving themselves at least for one more season?

Johnny Manziel (Cleveland Browns)

There is no question the Cleveland Browns, with their playoff hopes done, have plans to use their final four games as a full-blown audition for Johnny Manziel.  So far the former 1st round pick has not shown the progression or maturity required in an NFL starter.  Still, with the coaching staff knowing their job are on the line, they can’t afford to be patient any longer.  They must see if Manziel has what it takes to grow and realize his potential.

Blaine Gabbert (San Francisco 49ers)

The win in Chicago was a big one for Blaine Gabbert as it got a lot of people on his side, but it doesn’t completely erase the fact he was really bad during the early part of his career and hasn’t been great at times this season.  Do the San Francisco 49ers trust that he’s getting better or are they being lured into a trap hatched by the fact they’re no longer taken seriously as a playoff threat?  Gabbert needs to show it isn’t a fluke.

Kirk Cousins (Washington Redskins)

A tale of location pretty much sums up Kirk Cousins in 2015.  When he is at home, he is almost unbeatable for the Washington Redskins.  Then when he gets on the road, it’s like a totally different person comes out.  He has played well enough to keep the job for this season but Cousins knows his team is tied for the NFC East lead and it’s up to him to make sure they keep it.

Brian Hoyer (Houston Texans)

Bill O’Brien admitted the biggest mistake of the season he made for the Houston Texans was replacing Brian Hoyer with Ryan Mallett after just one game.  It threw off the chemistry and almost ruined the teams’ season.  Hoyer is back now though and playing pretty well.  The AFC South is still there for the taking.  He has a huge chance to secure the job for 2016 if he can get through the next two games in New England and Indianapolis.

Tyrod Taylor (Buffalo Bills)

One of the feel-good stories of the season.  Tyrod Taylor was a backup quarterback in Baltimore his entire NFL career.  He leaves in free agency, takes a chance at winning the starting job in Buffalo and does so against all odds.  Since then he has been sneaky good for the Bills with 20 total touchdowns and just five turnovers.  At 6-6 the team is still in position to grab a wild card.  Doing that and giving Buffalo its first playoff berth since 1999 would guarantee Taylor keeps his job.