Johnny Manziel finally out of the spotlight

Oct 4, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) smiles on the sideline during the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

An amazing thing happened yesterday.

The Browns lost a game and calls for Johnny Manziel to become the starter were not universally heard. There are the few on Twitter who blindly believe Josh McCown was the reason for the loss yesterday, but let’s just ignore them for now.

McCown wasn’t perfect in the red zone, but the play-calling is more of an issue than his play. Screen passes are a tough go when a few yards out from the end zone, as they need space to develop. But the Browns don’t seem to understand this and continue to call plays to set up field goals and help those few fantasy owners who have stuck with Travis Coons.

Back to Manziel.

I realize the fact that I am writing this is drawing unnecessary attention to Manziel, but it is merely a commentary as opposed to a call for him to return to the starting lineup.

The camera only showed him a few times, and not nearly as much as it did against Oakland when the CBS producers were doing their best to influence the coaching staff and get Johnny into the game.

The lack of Manziel on camera is a testament to the reliable play of McCown. One can complain about his performance yesterday, but it is misguided anger.

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He threw for 356 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. Are we at the point now where we complain about such a stat line?

I know, wins are what matters in the NFL. But for once, the quarterback is not the issue in Cleveland. The position has been an issue for so long that fans immediately look for any reason to complain about the quarterback.

But it does not make any sense after watching the atrocious performance put on by the defense yesterday. And the Tramon Williams offsides penalty, but that is a whole other rant waiting to happen.