I don’t want to declare, ‘hey, this is what it’s going to be here on out.’ These are two young quarterbacks that have upside and we want to see what that upside is.
Advertisement
The Browns’ forever-spinning revolving door at the game’s most important position could take a couple of more turns this year.
This isn’t to say Pettine is wrong because he was given a quarterback he never wanted.
“I’ve heard that number tossed around”, Davis said. Davis isn’t starting because Pettine thinks he might be the quarterback savior Cleveland has many waiting for lo these many decades. Strong defense and quality special teams play will only get you so far.
The Browns (2-9) officially announced Austin Davis as starter Wednesday to replace injured Josh McCown, but the Bengals (9-2) don’t seem to mind the lack of clarity entering the week.
Besides, seeing all the mistakes the Eagles make every week, is enough to make a coach cry.
For months, Austin Davis worked behind the scenes to ensure his Browns debut, whenever it happened, would go as relatively smoothly as his impromptu appearance did Monday. “It’s more about Austin and seeing what he can do than it being about punishment”. “If we were voting today, I don’t see anything getting 24 votes”. “He did some really good things and it speaks to his preparation and who he is”.
“I can’t get wrapped up into all of that, ” he said.
Davis has a connection with Green Bay legend Brett Favre, who was also a star quarterback at Southern Miss during his college days.
McCown finishes his season with 186 completions in 292 attempts for 2,109 yards with 12 touchdown passes and four interceptions. “It helps to get the prep during the week and to get your mind right all week”. Pettine joined McCown in praising Davis for his work ethic and preparation.
Bringing back Terrelle Pryor has been on the Browns’ to-do list for a while, Pettine said. I still intend to live my life and spend time with my friends, but being the best quarterback I can be will be my primary focus.
Davis had a simple explanation.
“I feel very upset about the record, ” said Pettine. The fact of letting people down bothers me. “I think he’s quite a talent and he’s headed in the right direction”. If the Browns decide to keep him, Manziel could still eventually ask for a way out.
Johnny Manziel remains a member of the Cleveland Browns organization, but other National Football League franchises have reportedly begun to sniff around the beleaguered signal-caller. “I’m encouraged by some of the things we did and certainly I’m encouraged by the opportunity to get back out and function in this type of offense”.
“He’s been pretty much the same guy every day throughout the whole year”, center Alex Mack said of Manziel. So he’s isn’t anxious about change at the position over the final five weeks.
“He is as prepared as any quarterback that I’ve been around”, Pettine said. I know the results aren’t anywhere near where they need to be but that doesn’t mean that we’re not making strides, that we’re not getting it set up.
Advertisement
“Those guys in the offensive huddle, I don’t see any issues”. Barnidge is eligible for free agency, but said he “would love to be back”. Originally drafted by Oakland in the third round of the 2011 supplemental draft, Pryor has appeared in 15 games with 10 starts at quarterback. “If you jump a hair late or if you are not the adjacent player – it is a little bit different when it is a tight end and a wing – if you are not the adjacent player to who jumped”, Pettine said.
