Will Johnny Manziel Start the Rest of the Season?

What most expected before Week 1 or at least by Week 4 or 5 could soon come to pass. Johnny Manziel could possibly start for the Cleveland Browns and it is not due to injury. Instead after replacing Brian Hoyer in the fourth quarter of their loss yesterday to the Buffalo Bills, Manziel seems to be in line to start from here on out.

Yet head coach Mike Pettine stated he hasn’t made that decision yet meaning that Hoyer is still a possibility. To many it is a clear cut answer: Hoyer has been given his opportunities, he has failed recently and it is time to see what the dynamic rookie can do. But is it that simple?

Why Start Hoyer?

Pettine could decide to start Hoyer again based on his belief that he gives them the best chance to win and make the playoffs. Hoyer has led the Browns to their 7 – 5 record and has had spurts of playing very well. Most of Hoyer’s worst games have come against very good defensive lines that have bottled up the running game. Given that the Kyle Shanahan offense is based off that run game and play action passing, Pettine could see that Hoyer wasn’t the only problem during those games.

He could also believe that Hoyer just needs time to adjust to big play Josh Gordon coming back on the field. Hoyer’s early season success revolved mostly around the short passing game and the occasional intermediate to long throws. Since Gordon’s return Hoyer has been throwing more deep balls, not his strength, which has led to many of his interceptions. His lack of arm strength and being off rhythm with Gordon has caused many of his most recent interceptions.

Pettine could also believe that Johnny Manziel is just not ready. While many fans are noting his rocket through to Jim Dray and his great scramble for a touchdown, his fumble that wasn’t (that led to some great pictures) is a concern. With Manziel’s style he is a very boom or bust prospect. Pettine is a very conservative, run the ball/defense, kind of coach. That Manziel could make one or two amazing plays followed by a couple horrible plays has to be concerning. Pettine seemed to have no patience for Terrance West‘s fumble, where he can replace the RB quickly, how would he deal with ball security issues by Manziel? Pettine also notes in his post game presser, below, that Manziel likely faced a softer defense.

Why Start Manziel?

It starts with the bad play of Hoyer. If Hoyer was playing okay it is likely that this conversation isn’t happening. Instead Hoyer’s poor performance over the last few games makes the switch seem easy:

Wow!. Historically bad numbers.

Besides Hoyer’s poor play starting Manziel makes sense for his ability on the field. His touchdown run showed off his running ability and his rocket arm throw to Dray showed that he has far more arm talent than Hoyer:

Manziel also opens up the Shanahan playbook more. The Browns can run some read option stuff that will put the defense on their heels. This gives defenses something different to plan for and makes linebackers and safeties have to account for his running option, opening up passing lanes.

More from Dawg Pound Daily

• Cleveland Browns critics continue to misplace their judgement
• 3 Cleveland Browns players who don’t deserve another season in 2023
• How the Browns could maximize Nick Chubb in 2023
• Can Deshaun Watson get to Patrick Mahomes level for Cleveland Browns?
• 3 Cleveland Browns who should see an expanded role in 2023 and 1 who should not

If Pettine decides to go with Manziel, besides the possible right now reasons above, it also helps them make decisions moving forward. The front office has shown they are willing to cut ties with their own decisions quickly when they released Ben Tate. While it is unlikely they do so with Manziel, the next 4 games gives them much more information about what they have for the future. It will help GM Ray Farmer decide whether to invest in a veteran in free agency next year or to draft a developmental guy a round or two higher than expected.

Johnny Manziel also provides the team a spark. Josh Gordon’s return did so last week but, as seen against the Bills, he is very dependent on QB play to get going. That is true for all wide receivers but having Manziel in at QB gives the Browns a sort of energy boost that they need to finish off a tough stretch of games. Any advantage, and added energy, is beneficial for a team still looking to make a playoff push.

Some reports are out that the Browns have been discussing a possible change for weeks. Pettine noted that in his post game presser, watch in full below:

If they have been talking about it for weeks and then put Manziel in with more than 12 minutes they have likely already made their decision.

Do you think Johnny Manziel starts for the Cleveland Browns the rest of this season?