Cleveland Browns not considering other QBs after Manizel, Hoyer struggle vs. Redskins
By Sam Richmond
The most important thing for the Cleveland Browns heading into Monday night’s preseason contest against the Washington Redskins was to get solid performances from Johnny Manziel and Brian Hoyer, who are both fighting for Cleveland’s Week 1 starting quarterback job.
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Ultimately, Manziel and Hoyer both struggled, leaving many concerned about the Browns’ quarterback situation. Hoyer threw for 16 yards on 2 of 6 passing. Manziel threw for 65 yards and completed just 6 of 17 passes. Perhaps the most noteworthy thing the 2013 Hesiman Trophy winner did on Monday was flipping the bird to the Redskins bench in the third quarter.
But even on the heels of such a disastrous night, the Browns aren’t looking elsewhere at the quarterback position, according to head coach Mike Pettine.
#Browns Pettine said of considering the other two QBs on the roster: "not at this point. It's not as bad as it looked in person.''
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 19, 2014
#Browns Pettine on Manziel vs. Hoyer: "It's definitely between the two of the them.'' said everything is still on the table
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 19, 2014
At this point, it’s best for the Browns to simply stick with Hoyer and Manziel.
Trying to get another QB that hasn’t really been in the mix prepared to start Week 1 versus the Pittsburgh Steelers wouldn’t be easy to say the least. Also, it would be quite the overreaction to a preseason game if Cleveland completely changed course.
While the race for Week 1 starter remains Manziel versus Hoyer, it’s not perfectly clear when Pettine will announce the winner.
#Browns Pettine: "If we do have to wait until after the next game so be it.'' Said it's still ideal to decide later today.
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 19, 2014
The Browns selected Manziel with the No. 22 pick in this year’s draft. Hoyer threw for 615 yards and five touchdowns in three games last season with Cleveland.