The second it was announced that Johnny Manziel would be the backup in Cleveland, folks began speculating about the Browns employing a special Manziel package to take advantage of the quarterback’s unique talents as a scrambler and playmaker.
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Apparently the Browns are on the same page as fans because they are indeed considering putting in a package just for Manziel:
What would a Manziel package be for the Browns? Possibly a Wild Cat look with Manziel taking on a Tim Tebow role. This could lead eventually to Manziel being employed as a punt protector as well.
It makes sense that Manziel, the most-hyped late-first-round QB since Tebow, would experience a career arc not that different from Tebow’s.
All kidding aside, though some may question the wisdom of using Manziel as a Wild Cat QB, if you’re the Browns it makes sense. You have this physically gifted QB who isn’t quite ready to play real QB, so why not use him as a gimmick QB for a few plays every game?
Getting Manziel in there as a Wild Cat QB could also help him remain focused. The Browns don’t want Manziel standing around on the sidelines getting bored and frustrated, so it’s probably a good idea to keep him involved even in a limited way.
Ultimately this gimmickry isn’t going to get the Browns or Manziel anywhere, but in the short-term it makes sense to put something in for Manziel, if only to keep the fans happy and the media beast fed with non-finger-related Manziel talkers.
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