It’s been a tough couple of days for Cleveland Browns first-round pick Johnny Manziel. The rookie quarterback was caught flipping the bird to the Redskins during a nationally televised game on Monday night, and then informed on Wednesday that he would start the season as the team’s back-up quarterback.
Fans had hoped that despite being a back-up, the team would include a few plays to get Manziel on the field and maximize his play-making ability. Unfortunately for Manziel fans, head coach Mike Pettine said there are no plans for such plays according to ESPN.
Coach Mike Pettine said after Wednesday’s practice that there are no plans to develop a package of plays for Manziel, who starred at Texas A&M but has been slow to adjust to playing under center and learning a new playbook. Manziel said the coach gave him no reason for the decision.
This is a bit disappointing. Manziel is a dynamic talent and definitely a player who draws attention. Seeing him out on the field a few times a game is a sure-fire way to get the crowd involved. It will be interesting to see if the Browns stance changes in the coming weeks.