Will The Browns Play Musical Chairs Or Start Johnny Manziel?


The Cleveland Browns are having a nightmare season that keeps getting worse. After losing to the Baltimore Ravens, news comes that quarterback Josh McCown will be lost for the remainder of the season. McCown fractured his collarbone, during the fourth quarter of the Brown’s 33-27 loss. Head coach Mike Pettine will again be faced with playing musical chairs to find his starting signal caller.

The rumors are confirmed that the Browns have signed Terrelle Pryor, according to information gathered from the Bleacher Report. Multiple reports show that Pryor is signing as a wide receiver but will be used primarily as the Browns No. 3 quarterback. Pryor, a former starting quarterback with Oakland, was in training camp this summer with Cleveland as a receiver, but was one of the last players cut.

Pettine refused to comment on the fact that reports were flying fast and furious about Pryor returning to Cleveland. But it’s a done deal.

Johnny Manziel was demoted to third team, after videos leaked of him partying in Austin, Texas. Pettine was beyond angry and released a statement via the NFL that addressed Manziel’s conduct. When the Browns moved Johnny Football to the No. 3 position, that seemed to be the way the season would end. All indications pointed to McCown leading the Browns over the final six with a decision on Manziel pending.

Within a couple of days, though, Pettine and offensive coordinator John DeFilippo said they could envision Manziel playing again for the Browns this season. They may have gotten their wish. Unless the Browns ignore the performance by Austin Davis or throw Pryor into the fire, it’s Manziel’s turn. Davis led the Browns’ comeback and gave Cleveland a shot at a game-winning field goal. The Ravens blocked that kick and returned it for a touchdown as time expired.

“I have a series of meetings scheduled,” Pettine remarked Tuesday. “We’re going to discuss it more and determine our best course of action moving forward. We’re going to take everything into consideration and then make a decision for this week that is best for the team.”

Pettine said he was not overlooking the performance that Davis gave the Browns.

“I credit Austin for coming in,” Pettine explained, via ESPN. “He did a heck of a job on the touchdown drive. He made plays.”

Will The Browns
[Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images]
The musical chairs game has to stop. McCown’s injury has prompted the Browns to make a choice, but it shouldn’t be as difficult as Pettine is making it seem. Some coaches like to keep the starter a secret after an incident like Monday’s. It keeps the defensive coordinators on their toes. But today’s defensive guru’s will just prepare for the style of each quarterback on the opposing team’s roster. That gives the players a feel for who they’ll be facing.

The Browns may give the luck of the draw to Manziel. The Bengals have tormented him in each start. This may be a good time to throw him into action and see what he can do under intense pressure. Maybe he has learned from his mistakes and will crave the spotlight again. Austin Davis took that away from him, with 7-of-10 passing for 77 yards and a touchdown. Manziel may catch fire for the Browns. His last performance against the Steelers was impressive and earned him the starting position that he lost.

Will The Browns
[Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images]
With the season out of hand, what harm would it do to give Manziel one last look? If he does well, the organization will have something to base the 2016 season on. If the experiment turns out to be a bust, there’s always the excitement of the draft. Maybe the next great quarterback is waiting for his opportunity to play for the Browns.

[Feature Photo by Gregory Shamus / Getty Images]

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