Johnny Manziel Makes NFL Debut, Shows Flashes Of Brilliance
Johnny Manziel finally set foot on an NFL field, and his preseason debut for the Cleveland Browns had a little bit to prove both critics and proponents right.
Manziel was solid in his debut, throwing 7-for-11 for 63 yards and adding six rushes for 27 yards. Though he had a bit of success and had some brilliant plays, including a long scamper for a first down, Manziel also showed inconsistency. He was stuffed on a third-and-1 run and mistimed some of his passes.
In the end, Johnny Manziel was also unable to lead the Browns to the endzone. The Detroit Lions ended up winning 13-12.
“We kind of killed ourselves with some things,” Manziel said. “There are definitely a couple reads I would like to take back and a few throws, but for the most part it’s good to get out there and play against someone else.”
Johnny Manziel did appear to grow more comfortable as the game went on, but admitted he could have been better.
“We kind of hurt ourselves,” Manziel said. “For me, I had a bad read on one third down. We just have to continue to improve when the live bullets are flying. We can’t settle for three, we’ve got to score touchdowns.”
Brian Hoyer, who started the game against Detroit, was also mostly effective but still could not find the endzone.
Earlier this preseason, head coach Mike Pettine told the Chronicle Telegram that Hoyer is still considered the number one quarterback.
“Well, they’re going to compete, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re going to take equal time with the ones. Brian is the starting quarterback right now, we can still evaluate Johnny’s reps regardless of who he’s out there with. I think a lot will be made of, wait a minute, he hasn’t been with the (ones). To me, it’s something that we can still evaluate, give him a specific grade based on his footwork, how he called the play, what he read during that play — all the stuff that’s in his control.”
Fans who want to see more of Johnny Manziel will get a chance soon. Sources close to the Browns say the team plans to start Manziel in the second preseason game.
