5 reasons the Browns should not give up on Johnny Manziel

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Nov 15, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) looks to pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

1.Manziel is a good quarterback

The reason Manziel is in the NFL is that he is a talented football player. He was a standout at Texas A&M, winning the Heisman as a freshman. He was also a first-round NFL draft pick.

Manziel threw for 372 yards against the Steelers in Week 6 of the 2015 regular season. Pittsburgh’s pass defense is far from elite, but 372 yards and a 73.3 percent completion rate is still terrific, especially considering this is only Manziel’s second season in the league. Against the San Francisco 49ers, Manziel threw for 270 yards, completing 21-of-31 passes (67.6 percent).

In the Week 16 game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Manziel only completed 40.6 percent of his passes in windy conditions. He did, however, have 11 rushing attempts for 108 yards, a skill set the team could develop to confound opposing defenses and add an extra dimension to his game.

Manziel played sparsely through Week eight and also sat out on in Weeks 12 and 13 due to his off-field antics during his team’s bye week. His progress was thwarted because he was the backup, injured, and then sidelined due to bad behavior.

If the Browns had a better offensive line and more depth at their skill positions, Manziel would look even better. A stronger defense and more reliable kicker (Travis Coons has had four blocked field goals this season), would also benefit the team. Manziel is not the weak link, but he hasn’t been given much of a chance, or enough weapons, to become a true asset.

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