The Cleveland Browns will determine this weekend whether rookie Johnny Manziel or Brian Hoyer will be the team’s starting quarterback heading in to the season-opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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Many believe that it is Hoyer’s job to lose, because the Browns fear throwing Manziel to the wolves in Week 1 against a division rival with a knack for exposing rookie signal-callers.
So when the Browns players were speaking to the media, Manziel was asked about his preparation for the season.
According to Manziel, he isn’t ready to face off against a team like the Steelers just yet.
Manziel said:
Manziel: I don't think I'm ready for Pittsburgh right now. I don't.
— Zac Jackson (@AkronJackson) August 16, 2014
Manziel has never been short on confidence, so it was a bit surprising to see that quote attributed to his name.
But don’t let that quote fool you.
Manziel quickly tried to clear things up by saying he doesn’t believe he is ready just yet because it is only Week 2 of the preseason.
Manziel: I don't want that taken out of context. I can get ready. Right now it's second week of preseason.
— Zac Jackson (@AkronJackson) August 16, 2014
We will have to see how Manziel and Hoyer play on Monday Night Football before learning head coach Mike Pettine’s starter later next week, but the smart money would be on Hoyer opening the season as the No. 1 guy in the huddle.