Johnny Manziel First Quarter Play Analysis

Normally here at Dawg Pound Daily we give you analysis of big play quarterly as well as summaries for each quarter. We hope it is helpful for those who can’t watch the game and for those processing the game during and after.

Today we switch it up a bit and instead will be analyzing Johnny Manziel. In particular we are going to focus on his decision making and his throws. We will be looking at how he goes through his progressions, decisions in Zone Read situations, accuracy on his throws and how/when he makes the decision to pull the ball down and run.

Quarterly Analysis

• Manziel’s first snap will come after a seven minute Bengals touchdown drive.
  • Marlon Moore returns ball just over the 15 yard line.
  • Here comes Johnny!
• First pass play is a 5 wide on 3rd and 2.
  • Pump s toward Josh Gordon on the slant.
  • Tries to run up the middle. Short by a yard.
  • Could have tried to fit it in to Gordon but played it safe.
    • Possible concern about defensive end who wasn’t in all out blitz and could have knocked it down.
• Second possession starts with the Browns down 10 – 0 with 1:57 left on the clock at the 23 yard line.
• First pass is to Jordan Cameron for 4 yards.
  • Didn’t look off his first read.
  • Made a good accurate throw.
• On a zone read Manziel should have let Isaiah Crowell have the ball.
  • Wallace Gilberry drills Manziel for a big loss.
• On 3rd and 13 Manziel breaks contain and throws just before crossing the line of scrimmage.
  • Manziel’s pass was on target, a little slow throwing across his body.
  • Andrew Hawkins had the ball but got hit and dropped the first down pass.
  • Ball delivered well.
  • Good progression and decision not to pull it down and run.

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Summary

So far not a great game for the Browns. Johnny Manziel looks fine throwing the ball. Passes have been on target. Feet seem a bit rushed at this point but progressing fine through his reads. Bad decision to not let Crowell take the Zone Read, leading to a long 3rd down attempt. Andrew Hawkins with an uncharacteristic drop.

Manziel Grade

B- Manziel has played fine but bad zone read and failure to get offense going gives him a solid B- for now.

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