Johnny Manziel is staying on the bench for the Cleveland Browns.
The rookie quarterback saw his first extended action of the season in Sunday’s 26-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills, coming off the bench in relief of ineffective starter Brian Hoyer and leading the team to its only touchdown of the day.
Many believed that the appearance signaled the start of the Johnny Manziel era, but, on Wednesday, the Browns’ head coach, Mike Pettine, announced that Hoyer would remain the team’s starter . Hoyer has led the team to a 7-5 record and has the Browns in the thick of the playoff race.
“After thorough evaluation and talking to the staff, we feel Brian gives us the best opportunity to win on Sunday,” Pettine said. “This is a football decision, and those are always going to be based on what we think is best for our team.
“Brian has led our team to a 7-5 record. I’m confident that we can get the entire offense playing at the level needed to accomplish the goals we set at the beginning of the season. Those goals are still very much attainable.”
Not all Cleveland Browns players will be happy with the move. Several had voiced their support of Johnny Manziel, saying the team was ready for a change.
“I was excited to see him get a chance to show the league what he can do,” said defensive end Billy Winn, via Cleveland.com . “He went out there and made everything come to life.
“Watching him here since training camp, I’ve been really surprised at the kid. He’s able to do a lot of things for the team and he’s going to confuse a lot of defenses because he has the aspect of his game where he can run the ball.”
Wide receiver Travis Benjamin also saw a lot of potential in Manziel.
“Johnny is a baller, no matter what,” said Benjamin. “Ready or not, you put him in the game and if he doesn’t make the play with his arm, he’ll make the play with his legs. Running backs, receivers, tight ends and linemen also have to come together and help him and make sure we have limited mistakes so we can push Johnny to get the edge on people.”
It seems those hoping to see Johnny Manziel starting will have to wait at least a bit longer.
