Johnny Manziel’s first CFL starts goes horribly wrong

MONTREAL, QC - JULY 26: Montreal Alouettes Quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) throws the ball at warm-up before the Edmonton Eskimos versus the Montreal Alouettes game on July 26, 2018, at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC - JULY 26: Montreal Alouettes Quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) throws the ball at warm-up before the Edmonton Eskimos versus the Montreal Alouettes game on July 26, 2018, at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Johnny Manziel was awful in his first CFL start, throwing four interceptions.

Many people who don’t follow the CFL expected Johnny Manziel to come to Canada and tear up the league. However, Manziel was awful in his first start for the Montreal Alouettes. The former Heisman Trophy winner threw four interceptions in the game, including one on his very first pass of the game.

Manziel’s first start came against his former team, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. After only 13 days and five practices, head coach Mike Sherman decided to start Manziel. The decision was criticized by Manziel’s agent, Erik Burkhardt. The statement from Burkhardt proved to be correct. While Manziel was not good, he did not have very much help.

Manziel took the field already down 7-0 after Hamilton scored on their opening drive. Montreal fumbled on the ensuing kickoff but was able to recover. After Manziel handed off on his opening play, he dropped back and passed. Tiger-Cats middle linebacker Larry Dean showed blitz but dropped into coverage, and picked off the pass. The Tiger-Cats would turn the short field into another touchdown.

Manziel’s second drive would also end in a two and out. The Tiger-Cats blocked Montreal’s punt returning it for a touchdown. Not even 10 minutes into the game and the Alouettes were already down 21-0.

In his third drive of the game, Manziel dropped back and showed off his trademark elusiveness that made him a star in college. Manziel escaped three tackles and flipped a pass to running back Tyrell Sutton, who bobbled leading to another interception. The interception would lead to another Hamilton touchdown, tying a CFL record with 28 points in the first quarter.

Manziel’s fourth drive would be one of his better drives, picked up a couple of first downs but Montreal had to settle for a field goal. Montreal’s offensive line did little to help Manziel. The quarterback was consistently under pressure as the Montreal offensive line was easily bull rushed and pushed backward. Manziel again displayed his ability to avoid sacks, throwing for a first down and picking up another with his legs.

Manziel’s final two drives of the first half ended in interceptions. In field goal range, Sherman decided to go for it on third down and three. Montreal play called for Manziel to roll out to his right with two receivers deep down the sideline and the running back in the flat. Despite having his running back wide open in the flat, Manziel threw deep and was picked off for the third time.

Manziel’s last drive before the half also ended in an interception. After moving the chains on second and 20, Manziel moved Montreal into scoring range. However, heavy pressure from Hamilton led to another interception. Manziel attempted to make a play but a low hit prevented him from stepping into his throw. The pass was behind his receiver and easily intercepted by Hamilton safety Mike Daly.

Manziel would have three more drives in the second half. Two ended in two and outs. The third drive ended after picking up one first down. Manziel was replaced in the fourth quarter by Vernon Adams. While Adams was able to lead a late touchdown drive, the game was long over. Hamilton ultimately won 50-11.

Manziel finished the game 11 of 20 for 104 yards and four interceptions. The quarterback displayed poor decision-making but did show flashes of what made him a college star. The flashes were at least encouraging enough to not give up on Manziel after one start.

In defense of the Heisman winner, Montreal did little to help the high-profile quarterback. The Alouettes roster is by far the least talented in the CFL and his offensive line struggled to block. Manziel was ill-prepared to start the game and should have never been put in that position.

Since the retirement of Anthony Calvillo, Montreal have started 14 different quarterbacks, including Manziel. This season alone, Manziel is the fourth different starter for Montreal and fifth quarterback to play in the team’s first seven games. The once-proud franchise has turned into the laughing-stock of the league. Sherman is the seventh Alouettes head coach since Marc Trestman left for the Chicago Bears after the 2012 season.

Several former Alouettes were critical of the team while watching Manziel’s debut. Future Hall of Fame receiver Nik Lewis praised Manziel for his passion but was critical of the team for starting Manziel to sell tickets. Former Alouettes quarterback Kevin Glenn echoed Lewis’ sentiment about the team’s desire to sell tickets. Glenn has the honor of being the only player in CFL history to be on the rosters of each of the nine teams and is a borderline Hall of Fame quarterback.

Former Alouettes quarterback Tanner Marsh was once viewed as a potential successor to Calvillo in Montreal but soon flamed out in Montreal. Marsh also took to Twitter weighing in on the dysfunctional franchise. The former quarterback Tweeted out a partial list of the offensive coordinators that the franchise has rolled through in the past few seasons and was critical of their decision to start Manziel after limited practice reps.

Montreal makes the short trip to Ottawa for their next game on Saturday, August 11. Manziel is expected to make the start but that has yet to be confirmed. The game can be watched in the United States on ESPN+.