Cleveland Browns: 2015 Mid-Preseason Review Part 1 QB’s and RB’s

Aug 20, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) throws a pass during the fourth quarter of a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Johnny Manziel

It’s been a rough offseason for Manziel. The QB who once dominated college football has succumbed to the pressures and fame of being a star long before he’s even become a star in the NFL. The young QB spent the 2014-2015 off-season in a rehab facility while trying to avoid the spotlight that followed him so closely since his days at Texas A&M.

His first season in the NFL has left him on the border of being a potential bust; another in the long line of QBs drafted by the Cleveland Browns. The 2015 preseason is a chance for Manziel to show his maturity, how much he has grown as a QB, and earn his place on the Browns roster. How has he done so far?

In the first game against the Redskins, Manziel got a couple of series against the Redskins second and third string defense. Manziel went 7/11 passing, but only threw for a measly 3.8 yards per pass and 42 yards. It was far from impressive as Manziel was often flushed out of the pocket and didn’t get time to look downfield.

Needless to say, Johnny Football failed to impress in his first game action since last year’s debacles against the Cincinnati Bengals and Carolina Panthers.

He left fans with a lot to desire, and gave McCown the definite lead going into the second preseason game against the Bills. Could Manziel close that gap? In typical Johnny Football fashion, he proved to fans that maybe there is still potential in the former first round pick. Manziel played the whole second half against Buffalo, and while he struggled at times, his 96-yard drive in the early 4th quarter gives fans hope.

Manziel went 6 for 7 passing on the drive, used his legs and ran when he needed to, and then hit two long passes at the end of the drive which resulted in a TD. The highlight of the play was Manziel’s 37 yard throw to fellow rookie Darius Jennings which Manziel threw off his back foot, against his body, and shown a flash of the player he was in college.

Overall Manziel finished the game 10 of 18 passing for 118 yards with the 1 TD, but that 96-yard drive gave fans hope that maybe, just maybe, Johnny’s still got something there.

Vinny Iyer of the Sporting News even goes as far to state that the Cleveland Browns should rethink the no-start stance for Manziel after his play against Buffalo.

"“The Browns’ situation is different than last year’s, when Manziel was an overwhelmed rookie on and off the field.” “It’s clear: Manziel has matured and improved in every area as a professional.”"

Our own Factory of Sadness Editor Nick Dudukovich also believes that Manziel deserves to be in consideration for a real competition. He even goes as far to wonder if an “All-In” Johnny Manziel could make plays like Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers. Is it possible?

How should Browns fans feel after two preseason games? Much like McCown, Manziel’s play falls in the middle. It had its downfalls, but also had it’s shining moments. My feeling though is that Manziel hasn’t done enough to overcome McCown for the right to be the opening day starter. The third preseason game won’t give Manziel a fair shot to prove he deserves to start.

By the time Johnny enters the game the Buccaneers and the Browns will have gone to their second and possibly even third string players. It will also be late in the 3rd quarter and possibly even the start of the 4th quarter. That said, Manziel still needs to go out with something to prove. If there’s one thing I’d like to see, it’s more of the long completions he had against Buffalo in his 96-yard drive.

Once he gets comfortable throwing it down the field, learning how to survey the defense, his overall game will begin to look better. McCown is far from the long-term solution to the ailing QB issues in Cleveland. There is definitely room for Manziel to take the reigns of this team in the future, it’s just a matter of when.

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