NFL Preseason: Quarterback battles through Week 1

Cleveland Browns – Brian Hoyer vs. Johnny Manziel

Browns rookie head coach Mike Pettine is dealing with two unknowns — a journeymen and a high profile first round pick.

Brian Hoyer led Cleveland to a 2-0 record in 2013 before blowing out his knee early in his third start. Hoyer completed 57-96 passes (59%), with five touchdowns, three interceptions, averaged 6.41 yards per attempts and had a quarterback rating of 82.6. Solid numbers, but not spectacular.

Hoyer is going up against Texas A&M product Johnny Manziel. While Manziel has been in the headlines for what he does off the field, he made front page news in college because of what he did on it. This is an extremely talented football player, who can make all the throws along with a unique ability to keep plays alive. If Manziel was 6-foot-3, he probably would have been the first pick in last year’s draft.

In round one of their competition Saturday night against the Lions both players had their moments.

Hoyer settled down after two overthrows to lead Cleveland to a field goal. He had a beautiful pass to Miles Austin that was dropped which would have made the stat line look a little prettier. When watching him he does look like an NFL level QB.  Hoyer finished 6-for-14 for 92 yards.

Manziel was a little bit harder to analyze. Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, who worked with Robert Griffin III with the Redskins, used a good amount of gadget plays — the type of scheme RG3 had success with his rookie season. Here’s the thing — Manziel isn’t RG3. I want to see him run the typical offense Cleveland used with Hoyer.

When given the chance, Manziel made plays with both his arms and legs. He seems to have good anticipation on his throws, releasing the ball before the receiver gets into their break. At times he does hold onto the ball a little too long also. It’s a learning process. Manziel was 7-for-11 and 62 yards through the air along with 27 rushing yards on six carries.

Looking forward to see Manziel get the chance to start next Monday night versus the Redskins.