Steelers would be ‘very surprised’ if Johnny Manziel doesn’t play Sunday

Johnny Manziel obviously won’t be starting for the Cleveland Browns when they take the field for their Week 1 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. But, given the former Heisman Trophy winner’s unique skill-set, many have speculated that Manziel could still see some game action on Sunday.

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Among those that believe Manziel will get into the game is Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau.

From Jim Corbett of USA Today Sports:

"“I’ll be very surprised if we don’t see him,” LeBeau said. “He was one of the top football players in the nation. You look at his offensive numbers. It’s not a magic wand he waves out there. He’s creating situations, making plays. They’re going to want to bring him along and give him game action. I’m sure of that.”"

"LeBeau said “disciplined” rush lanes are critical to stopping Johnny Football."

It’s certainly wise on the Steelers end to prepare for the possibility that Manziel plays for the reasons LeBeau outlined.  This is part of the value of Johnny Football. Opponents have to be fearful of his electrifying style, which is a sentiment Steelers coach Mike Tomlin relayed earlier this week to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.

"“Obviously Manziel has some unique run skills and capabilities,” Tomlin said. “I think they’re capable of highlighting that within the framework of their offense…"

The Browns selected Manziel with the No. 22 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M. Brian Hoyer, Cleveland’s starting quarterback,  threw for 615 yards and five touchdowns in three games last year.