Browns head coach Mike Pettine has tantalized us with hints that backup QB Johnny Manziel could see action in special packages, but whether that will actually happen this week against the Steelers is something Pettine won’t say.
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When asked about the Manziel package plan on Wednesday, Pettine was predictably tight-lipped:
You wouldn’t expect Pettine to give away the Manziel plan in the middle of the week, secrecy being a big part of what might make such a plan successful in the first place.
If I had to bet, I would say the Browns probably have something installed for Manziel, a Wildcat package or something of that ilk.
Whether that package actually makes an appearance against the Steelers, and Johnny Football with it, will likely depend on game situations.
I wouldn’t expect that Pettine will feel pressure to get Manziel in just to placate the fan base. Even though placating the fan base is never a bad idea when you are a first-year coach trying to feel your way along.
Even if Manziel does get in for a series, I wouldn’t expect his presence to have a huge impact on the game. Things like special packages always sound great, and fans seem to enjoy speculating about them, but in the grand scheme that sort of chicanery rarely amounts to much.
The Browns will sink or swim based on what their actual starting quarterback does, and for now that is still Brian Hoyer.