Cleveland Browns Player Grades: Johnny Manziel Disappoints In Loss To Bengals
Dec 14, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) is brought down by Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Brandon Thompson (98) during the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Bengals beat the Browns 30-0. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Another loss has my red magic marker angry at this morning’s Cleveland Browns player grades.
Johnny Manziel finally got his first start, but the effort left FirstEngery Stadium deflated, as nervous Browns fans will wonder if the franchise made another mistake at quarterback…
So, in a much needed attempt at therapy, here are the marks…
56. Final. 0. 53. 30
QB. Cleveland Browns. JOHNNY MANZIEL. F. In Johnny Manziel’s first NFL start, he barely managed to lead the offense over the century mark in total offensive yards (107) and didn’t show the knack for making plays out of the pocket and earned the former Heisman winner the title of “Johnny Football.” He tossed two ugly interceptions, which could have been three had it not been negated by an offsides penalty. With Manziel taking snaps, the Browns managed just 38 offensive plays. He completed 10-of-18 passes for 80 yards and two interceptions, adding five carries for 13 yards
BARKEVIOUS MINGO. D. There weren’t a ton of “key” plays, because the Bengals had a comfy, 20-lead at halftime. That’s why <strong><a href=. OLB. Cleveland Browns
D. <strong><a href=. RT. Cleveland Browns. MITCHELL SCHWARTZ
C. <strong><a href=. WR. Cleveland Browns. JOSH GORDON
Cleveland Browns. BUSTER SKRINE. B. After <strong><a href=. CB
MIKE PETTINE. D. Forget about Manziel for a moment, and realize that defense is supposed to be Mike Pettine’s specialty. Well, his bread and butter got torched for 244 yards on the ground, as the Browns could bring down a tackling dummy. The team also killed itself with nine penalties, costing Cleveland 68 yards. The decision to put Manziel in should also be called into question, as the Browns appeared ill-prepared to run the spread-read option that made Manziel such a success at Texas A & M.. Coach. Cleveland Browns