Mike Pettine discusses the Johnny Manziel situation

Nov 15, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine on the field during the second half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 30-9. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine spoke to the media Wednesday about the decision to remove Johnny Manziel as the starting quarterback.

Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine met with the media Wednesday to talk about the decision made to remove Johnny Manziel as the starting quarterback for Monday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens.

The decision came after pictures surfaced of Manziel partying and drinking once again, which is not great for someone who went to rehab less than a year ago.

“On the decision that was made yesterday, we are always going to do what is best for the team in all of the decisions that we make,” Pettine said. “The position of quarterback is always going to be held to a higher standard than any other position on the team. That is the reality. It is not just about talent. It is not just about what you do on the field.”

It is tough to disagree with Pettine’s take on the quarterback position. The quarterback of every NFL team is always held responsible for the results on the field and is usually the face of the franchise. (Unless you’re the Houston Texans).

If Johnny Manziel wants to be the face of the Cleveland Browns, he needs to start acting like a professional off the field as well as on it.

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The latest incident has resulted in Manziel being made the third string quarterback behind Austin Davis and Josh McCown for Monday’s game. This decision may not be permanent, according to Pettine.

“Last week, we made him the starter for the rest of the season. We all saw how quickly that changed. The NFL landscape is obviously a very fluid one.”

Manziel is still a very young player, so I hope to see the Browns keep him on the roster and work with him to become both a better player and also a better individual. If McCown sticks around as his mentor, Manziel will be given a chance to succeed with the Browns in the future.

A whole offseason preparing as the starter, along with the potential return of Josh Gordon to the roster, would give Manziel and the team a sense of stability. Having the same coaching staff in place would help as well, given Jimmy Haslam sticks with his plan of not making any sudden changes.