Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers: Film Room Session

Source: NFL Game Pass

Manziel was impressive throwing from the pocket and showed he is capable of playing from within its confines as, at one point, was 12-for-12 throwing from the pocket. This play is an excellent  example of that.

The Browns play to Manziel’s strengths by lining up in gun formation with trips receivers to the left. As Manziel works into his three-step drop, he generally has a clean pocket but is receiving some pressure off right side as he reaches his plant step.

This play shows huge progression for Manziel. Even last week at Cincinnati, Manziel would flee the pocket early and struggle to keep his eyes downfield when he felt pressure. Here Manziel has his eyes downfield and has his feet under him to make a strong throw. On this play it also shows Manziel’s ability to recognize the coverage from the Pittsburgh defense. The Steelers were playing a zone coverage and Manziel is able to see the soft spot in the coverage where Brian Hartline will settle.

Source: NFL Game Pass

The Browns offensive line does a good job of keeping a pocket for Manziel to operate from. The pocket is tight and staying there is something out of Manziel’s comfort zone. We are used to seeing Manziel scramble out of this situation, but plays like this show a huge amount of growth in his development. Manziel shows the ability to hang in the pocket and hit Hartline on a deep comeback route.

Source: NFL Game Pass

Next: Manziel was effective off play-action