The second healthy back for Buffalo is Bronson Hill, another undrafted rookie out of Eastern Michigan.
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On Alex Mack vs. Marcell Dareus: Pettine said Mack, who was beat by Dareus for a sack, is still working his way back from his broken leg. A few plays later from the 20 he threw another floater that landed right in the sweet spot for rookie receiver Shane Wynn for a touchdown. Again it looked like he was more comfortable running this offense, and he finished with 118 yards on 10-of-18 yards passing.
“We feel good about where Johnny (Manziel) is as the No. 2 and where Josh is as the No. 1”, Pettine said. Great guys both on and off the field. “I’m not going to sit here and talk about trying to start up a quarterback controversy”.
“I just thought (Manziel) saw the field well”.
“Would I like to be in there with the ones?”
“I was with Marcell in Buffalo and when he’s properly motivated I don’t know who in this league can block him one-on-one, ” said Pettine.
The Browns have more than a week to get ready and healthy for their exhibition at Tampa Bay.
McCown did nothing to lock up the starting gig.
So why won’t Pettine just name McCown the Week 1 starter if he’s been ahead of Manziel all offseason?
Just like last week I want to point out the Bills didn’t have a game plan to help Taylor and the Browns didn’t have one to stop him.
The X-rays came back negative according to the team and McCown downplayed the significance of having his finger wrapped up as he spoke with reporters.
Taylor will have limited weapons when he plays in the first quarter against the Browns, and EJ Manuel will try to impress Buffalo’s coaching staff with a banged up roster, as well. After an unusual sequence, the Bills found the end zone.
But Pettine doesn’t want to get caught up in “Manzielmania” partly because McCown faced the Bills’ starting defense and Manziel encountered second-, third- and fourth-string opponents.
It’s that kind of playmaking ability that made Manziel a Heisman victor and first round pick, but it’s also his recklessness outside of the pocket that caused people to shake their heads at what could be. He went 7-of-10 for 57 yards.
Ryan said he rested Cassel to get a closer look at his two less experienced QBs. His throws were questionable all night, and his reads were spotty at times.
Browns: DB Jordan Poyer sustained a concussion while making a tackle. At this point, that’s all the Browns can hope for out of their first rounder.
And the right ring finger McCown jammed against the Bills won’t interfere with his status.
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It’s very possible, if not likely, that both Manziel and Manuel start the season as backups. Just took his poison and punted. The Bills went for two and converted to take an 11-10 lead.
