Cleveland Browns vs Cincinnati Bengals: 3 Matchups to watch
Johnny Manziel vs Bengals defense
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Making his second start of the season Johnny Manziel will have a difficult challenge on a short week Thursday night against the undefeated Cincinnati Bengals. Manziel will be short-handed with weapons, with receivers Brian Hartline and Andrew Hawkins in the concussion protocol.
However, the Bengals defense has ranked in the middle of the pack in total yards and passing yards per game. The Bengals defense ranks 22nd in total yards per game giving up an average of 368.8 yards.
“Johnny has worked hard to prepare himself. He is excited about his opportunity and we are all looking forward to the challenge we face in a good Bengals football team on Thursday night.” – Head Coach Mike Pettine
The Bengals pass defense ranks at 23rd yielding 258.4 yards per game through the air. Although the offense will be shorthanded, Manziel will have opportunities to attack the Bengals secondary. Much like last season the Bengals are going to send heavy pressure at Manziel.
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In Manziel’s NFL debut against the Bengals last season, the Bengals defense stacked eight in the box throughout the game and dared Manziel to beat them with his arm. The pressure flustered him and he threw for only 80 yards in the game. The Bengals were able to also contain him running by sending the defensive ends upfield and not allowing him to get to the outside of the pocket.
The Benglas will once again blitz Manziel heavily and make him beat them with his arm. However, this season Manziel is more prepared and matured for the challenge he faces with the Bengals defense.
When the Bengals bring eight in the box it will create one on one man coverage with the outside receviers. Manziel will need to utilize his deep threat Travis Benjamin in these situations and allow Benjamin to burn the man coverage deep.
If Cincinnati comes with a heavy pass rush game plan at Manziel this will also create opportunities for pass catching running back Duke Johnson and for tight end Gary Barnidge in man coverage. If the Browns can beat the Bengals pass rush early with big plays to their playmakers they will be able to find consistency and have confidence on offensive for the entire game.