Forbes claims Browns fans aren’t among the top 10 in the NFL
August 22, 2014Johnny Manziel can’t call a play?
August 22, 2014Mike Pettine isn’t buying in to the hype. With rookie quarterback Johnny Manziel losing the Cleveland Browns’ preseason competition, many throughout the league expected the team to utilize a two-quarterback system that would allow the mobile, play-making Manziel to have a package of plays designed for his unique skill set, subbing him in for Brian Hoyer when needed. Pettine, the first-year head coach, is firmly backing Hoyer, the St. Ignatius product, stating that the first portion of the season will be for his quarterback to build chemistry that he may have lacked during the first two weeks of the preseason.
“People have asked me about potentially a two-quarterback system and having a package for [Johnny Manziel]. That is on the table,” Pettine said in an interview with “The Opening Drive” on SiriusXM NFL Radio. “I don’t know if that’s anything that we want to commit to just now, because I think Brian—because of the competition—is a little behind with the chemistry and continuity in working with that first group. I think that is something that we can potentially look at down the road.”
Since awarding Hoyer with the starting quarterback spot, Pettine has been the recipient of both criticism and praise. Rather than caving to the pressure of starting a first-round quarterback, he has opted to roll with the veteran. Earlier this week, Pettine stated that he envisions a scenario in which Manziel, the focus of plenty media attention, does not play at all despite being the No. 22 pick by the Browns.
Several teams have opted for two-quarterback systems over the last several seasons, including the San Francisco 49ers (with Colin Kaepernick) and the New York Jets (with Tim Tebow). Pettine, having ties to the Jets, was able to see first-hand how disruptive such a spectacle can be.
For now, it appears that those wishing to see Manziel take the field will have to get all they can during the final two weeks of the preseason, because if Pettine has his way, the rookie will not see the field for quite a while.
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Photo: Scott Sargent/WFNY
7 Comments
Love how this seems to be omitted by a lot of people:
“I don’t know if that’s anything that we want to commit to just now, because I think Brian—because of the competition—is a little behind with the chemistry and continuity in working with that first group. I think that is something that we can potentially look at down the road.”
[insert vulgarity]heads
http://www.reactiongifs.com/r/ug.gif
It’s fascinating how every one is trying their hardest to make this situation as ambiguous and problematic as possible. Just like politics, no mater what you do, 40% of the people will think you are the worst coach in the history of football. Basically the whole season will be defined by this. Even decent “journalist” will write 3 stories a week about Manziel and Hoyer. The best ones will still do it but they will end the conversation with “aren’t we done talking about this yet?”… No, No we are not. The Cleveland fan base has been conditioned to this since 1991 – the year of “diminished skills”. Unless the Browns bring one and only one QB into camp at the beginning of the year, it will be at least a generation before people stop talking about who the starter should be. You could bring Russell Wilson in tomorrow, and 40% of the fan base will still want Hoyer because one time he threw 4 TDs in a game…
I’ll take this QB controversy over any of the others since the last reboot. Two guys who may not be completely terrible? One a first round pick? You have to go back to Couch/Holcomb for something comparable.
I feel better now, thanks!
http://i.imgur.com/BRr6Gp3.gif
What’s weird is that I don’t think there’s much division amongst the fan base. Most people are for Hoyer. I think even the Manziel fans are for Hoyer to start for a few weeks and not throw JFF to the wolves.
Basically, the sports media is the worst. But silly season is almost over.
How many touchdowns?