Johnny Manziel has not even taken the field yet for the Cleveland Browns in the NFL, however we already know when he will be starting a game for the first time in his career. Prior to their game with the Lions getting kicked off on the NFL Network, it was announced that Manziel will be the starter under center for their second preseason game next week against the Washington Redskins.
Now there will be a lot of people who read a lot into this, however they shouldn’t. That could actually be a reason why they announced before the first game even takes place.
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Mike Pettine and the coaching staff really have no idea who will be the starting quarterback as of yet. This is a good old-fashioned battle to man the offense under center, meaning that Pettine and the coaching staff has to get a good look from both men in all situations.
And that certainly means letting Manziel start a game against some first team competition.
Saturday night against the Lions, Manziel is expected to take the field in the second quarter, once Hoyer is done with his night.
But we won’t have to wait that long next week.