Johnny B. (No) Goode: Manziel Struggles in Starting Debut
Johnny Manziel would probably like to take a mulligan after his debut as a starter in the NFL.
The former Heisman Trophy winner, nicknamed “Johnny Football,’’ got his first start as a pro on Sunday, a 30-0 home shutout at the hands of the Cincinnati Bengals.
Manziel completed 10 of 18 pass attempts, throwing for 80 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions, while running for 13 yards on five rushing attempts. His rushing total was actually lower than slow-footed Tom Brady’s, who had 18 yards on three carries in the Patriots’ win over the Dolphins.
Manziel was named the starter for Sunday’s game after Brian Hoyer proved ineffective in the Browns four previous games, throwing just one touchdown against eight interceptions as Cleveland dropped three of four.
After coach Mike Pettine announced that Manziel would start, there was much hype leading up to Sunday’s game. The contest even brought Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James to FirstEnergy Stadium to see Manziel in action. Manziel is the latest in a long list of Browns starters since the Browns returned in 1999, as Cleveland has started 21 different quarterbacks in that span, with Manziel’s name added to the famous Browns jersey that hangs in downtown Cleveland.
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The anticipation of Manziel being the No. 1 QB in Cleveland has been building since the Browns took him in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. After a breakout season at Texas A&M in 2012, he became the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy, but off the field incidents both in college and in the pros have left some wondering whether he can mature enough to become a strong performer in the NFL.
The Browns, who led the AFC North just a month ago, are now staring at yet another disappointing season. Their 7-4 mark through 11 games was their best since 2007, but after three straight losses, it looks like they will miss the playoffs yet again, continuing their drought of sitting at home come January, having not qualified for the dance since 2002.
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