Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) walks off the field after the Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Cleveland Browns 31-10 at Paul Brown Stadium.
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One against the Tennessee Titans in Week 2 resulted in a win and the other, against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 9, was a loss, which was apparently enough for Cleveland Browns Coach Mike Pettine.
Manziel did show enough promise where the Browns should start him the last seven games and see where his development leads. Free safety Jordan Poyer (shoulder) came back as well, though he donned a red non-contact jersey.
“If he’s ready to go and execute the game plan, he’ll be the starter”, Pettine said.
Browns quarterback Josh McCown sat out practice Tuesday as he continues to recover from a painful rib injury suffered October 25 in a 24-6 loss to the St. Louis Rams and exacerbated November 1 in a 34-20 defeat against the Arizona Cardinals.
At this point in the week, the Browns are preparing to face the Steelers without McCown being available. Sure, it would make sense for Manziel to play out the string, but what if it’s worse than we expected? “I get the call for a “why not” (on Manziel) but we’re tasked as coaches to put the roster out there that’s going to give us the best opportunity to win”.
Manziel completed 15 of 33 passes for 168 yards and one touchdown against the Bengals.
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Asked if Manziel has what it takes to develop into a pocket passer in the National Football League, Pettine said.
