The Cleveland Browns are in training camp, and for the second straight year quarterback Johnny Manziel is going to be the main focus. Manziel, who struggled during his rookie campaign, checked himself into a rehab facility this offseason and from all reports, has looked much better throughout the offseason program.
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Manziel is entering camp as a backup behind veteran Josh McCown, but Browns head coach Mike Pettine is not ruling out Manziel being able to overtake him before the Sept. 13 season-opener against the New York Jets, per Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
"“I wouldn’t say I’m guaranteeing that Josh is going to be the starter against the Jets.”"
Manziel might need to put together a terrific camp to show his coaches and teammates that he is capable of running the show. Manziel rode the bench as a rookie behind Brian Hoyer until Week 15, when he finally earned a chance. Manziel was miserable in his first start, throwing two interceptions and being shutout by the Cincinnati Bengals. The following week, the Browns lost to the Carolina Panthers and Manziel was knocked out with an injury, ending his season.
Pettine is excited to see what Manziel brings to the table this season, but does maintain there is a noticeable gap between McCown and Manziel at the moment, per Cabot.
"“I would say there is,” said Pettine. “Josh’s skillset is very different than Johnny’s….Having been with Flip (offensive coordinator John DeFilippo) before, he’s that much further ahead.”"
Cleveland has rebuilt the offense on the outside with supserstar receiver Josh Gordon suspended for the year. General manager Ray Farmer signed Brian Hartline and Dwayne Bowe to give McCown and Manziel some weapons, with Cameron Erving being drafted with the 19th-overall pick to bolster the front line.