Johnny Manziel: 2nd Quarter Decision & Play Analysis

Just like last week the story of today’s Cleveland Browns game will be Johnny Manziel. In as much we we be watching his decision making and play today. With the Browns out of the playoffs the development of their young quarterback is the biggest story. While we hope for a winning record, or at least an 8 – 8 mark, Manziel’s improvement from his first start will be defining.

We follow Johnny Manziel‘s play all day long.

Plays and Decisions

On 3rd and 8, Manziel delivers to Andrew Hawkins.
- Hawkins hit with the crown of the helmet, penalty called, and drops the ball.
- Good decision and throw by Manziel.
On 3rd and short, Manziel takes a high snap and his front foot slips as he throws.
- Ball is thrown low but ruled a catch on the field.
- On review, called overturned.
- Manziel did a great job of corralling the snap and getting the ball to Gordon on time.
- Front foot slip caused just a bit of a dip.
  - Panthers field doesn’t look good on TV, could have been the issue.
- Field goal is good. 3 – 3
Another play action boot gets quick pressure.
- Manziel has to float a throw to Taylor Gabriel.
- Very short gain.
- Manziel’s height could always be an issue with throws like this.
- Teams are respecting Manziel’s runs and staying home on boots far more than they did with Hoyer.
  - Play action boot may not be great with Manziel.
  - A middle screen, shovel pass off that action should be open today.
Manziel will get the ball back with less than 2 minutes left.
- Browns down 10 – 3 after Cam Newton‘s 1 yard touchdown run.
Designed outside run on Manziel goes nowhere.
- Manziel may have gotten an extra yard had he turned it up the field.
- Manziel hurt on the play.
- Brian Hoyer warming up.
Hoyer’s first pass a bit outside to Andrew Hawkins.
- Interesting that the coaching staff gave him a chance to throw coming in off the sideline cold.
Hoyer hits Josh Gordon deep for what would be a first down.
- Had tons of time to throw.
- Gordon made the play pulling in a difficult pass.
- Johnny Manziel going to locker room with towel over his head.
- Play called back due to an illegal shift.
Hoyer hits Gordon on a crossing pattern.
- Wide open on 3rd and long.
- Gordon picks up 9.
- Fine pass by Hoyer.
- Looks like that was his primary option.
Manziel questionable with a hamstring injury.
- Seemed like a far more head, neck, body type injury than a hamstring.
One quick screen by Hoyer and a run leads to end of the half.

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Summary

Manziel looked better during his time on the field. Running him on an outside sweep doesn’t seem to put him in the best position to learn how to play from the pocket. Kyle Shanahan’s play calling hasn’t helped the QBs.

Grade

C+ Manziel showing signs that he can make some developments. Most plays he is just making 1 read than looks to run.

With Manziel looking like he is out for the rest of the game we won’t continue play byplay analysis.

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