The infamous Johnny Manziel currently sits behind Josh McCown on the depth chart, yes Josh McCown.
However, it makes sense because it’s not as if Manziel lit it up during his rookie campaign. Manziel only completed 51.4 percent of his passes to go along with zero touchdowns delivered.
It all began when Manziel made his first NFL start against the Cincinnati Bengals in week 15. The former Heisman trophy winner only threw for 80 yards, while tossing two picks and he was sacked a total of three times.
Despite his brutal performance, Bengals defensive coordinator Paul Guenther believes it’s too early to write the 22-year old off.
“Honestly, I think the kid needs more time”
Everyone expected Manziel to just come right on in and take the league by storm, which was just unrealistic.
“I think he has good feet, is obviously a threat to run it, and I think in the right system he can be a good player,” Guenther said. “There was so much expected in his first game, and maybe some of that was self-warranted, but it was so much from the fan base that you have to let him make mistakes.”
Guenther thinks Manziel could emulate future hall of famer Drew Brees.
“Drew Brees did it,” Guenther said. “I know Drew is a little bit thicker than Johnny but about the same height. … I don’t see any reason why he can’t do it up there. [Manziel] was such a high-profile guy out of college and everyone expected what he did at Texas A&M, but it’s a man’s game, it’s a lot different, and it takes time. You have to take your lumps a little bit.”
With training camp right around the corner, it’ll be interesting to see if Manziel can overtake McCown for the starting spot in northeast Ohio.