Johnny Manziel wraps up preseason with solid but unspectacular outing

The CFL preseason wrapped up on Saturday. Johnny Manziel and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats beating the Montreal Alouettes 30-15.

Johnny Manziel had an impact on Hamilton’s preseason game against Montreal days before the game even started. The CFL’s broadcast partner TSN only broadcasts four preseason games every season. However, the network decided to add to their preseason schedule and broadcasted Saturday’s game.

Initially, Manziel was supposed to start the final preseason game. However, June Jones decided to start Bryant Moniz after he failed to play in the previous preseason game. Moniz, firmly on the roster bubble for the third-string quarterback role, was awful on Saturday, failing to pick up a first down. Ultimately that performance will likely cost him a spot on the roster.

Manziel took over for Moniz part way through the second quarter after Hamilton recovered a muffed punt. Down 14-0, Manziel took advantage of a short field and unnecessary roughness penalty leading his first CFL touchdown drive. Hamilton went for it on third down from the three-yard line, with Manziel connecting with running back Alex Green in the flat. However, that was the high point for Manziel on Saturday.

Manziel played the entire third quarter before being taken out early in the fourth quarter, being replaced by Dane Evans. The former Heisman winner finished 12-of-20 for 88 yards and ran for 19 yards on four carries. After not attempting a pass deeper than seven yards downfield in the first pre-season game, Hamilton allowed Manziel to attempt more deep passes but he failed to complete any of them.

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While Manziel was good on Saturday, he was far from spectacular. Manziel looked like exactly what he is, a CFL rookie who is still adjusting to the CFL field, rules and 12th man. Overall, Manziel went 21-of-31 for 168 yards and a touchdown pass, while adding 29 yards on six rushing attempts in the two preseason games. The former Texas A&M star showed growth from his first action and improved body language and composure compared to his time in Cleveland.

Rookie quarterbacks almost never succeed in their first season. Former Heisman Trophy winner Doug Flutie is widely considered the greatest player in CFL history. However, in his first season, Flutie threw more interceptions than touchdowns and completed only 52.9 percent of his passes.

All nine CFL teams must make their final cuts on Sunday. Manziel will open the season as the second string quarterback behind Jeremiah Masoli. Evans likely earning the third-string job. Vernon Adams was also in camp with Hamilton but June Jones said he would be traded to Montreal or Edmonton on Friday. However, it appears a trade has fallen apart and it looks like he will be released. The Ticats open the season Saturday in Calgary.