Johnny Manziel relegated to third string following latest incident
5, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) walks off the field after the Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Cleveland Browns 31-10 at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine demoted quarterback Johnny Manziel to third string after another video surfaced of Manziel partying.
Just when we thought the drama was over, it was announced by the Cleveland Browns that Johnny Manziel will not be starting against the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night. In fact, he will be behind both Josh McCown and Austin Davis on the depth chart.
This announcement comes after pictures surfaced of Manziel having a bit too much fun this weekend, with alcohol being involved.
This means McCown is thrust back into the starter’s role just when we all thought it was time to see Manziel be given some playing time to develop as a quarterback. But it is unclear if Mike Pettine is doing this as a temporary punishment or rather to get Manziel on the bench and keep him there.
Putting a battered McCown back in harm’s way may be the only choice at this point, although I do believe the team is too harsh on Manziel at times. If he parties on the weekends and still shows up for practice ready to play at a high level, people posting pictures of him should not be an issue.
There is understandably some concern about him drinking after going to rehab, but benching someone for personal issues is almost humorous in a league filled with people much worse. See ‘Greg Hardy’ for clarification of that last point.
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This announcement will likely bring joy to those out there wishing to see Manziel leave Cleveland, as this is a quick turnaround from the recent news that Manziel was to start the final six games of the season. The news didn’t even make it to the first game.
On a team filled with so many ghosts at the quarterback position, this news is not good no matter what your personal feelings are regarding Manziel. This just means more turnover and more hope being placed in more new faces.