The quarterback battle between rookie first-round pick Johnny Manziel and Brian Hoyer didn't appear to gain a whole lot of clarity after both quarterbacks turned in middling performances in the preseason opener Sunday, but Manziel did out-play Hoyer, who many thought was much more NFL-ready. That may signal a possible advantage for the former Texas A&M star.
Johnny Manziel closing the gap to Brian Hoyer, fantasy value still iffy
The Cleveland Browns quarterback battle may be closer after the preseason opener. We break down the fantasy implications.
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
It’s only one preseason game, but when a battle is only supposed to last one or two games, it’s easy to understand why Peter King of SI.com is reporting that the gap between Manziel and Hoyer “has closed significantly.”
Fantasy Football
Fantasy Football
Manziel completed 7-of-11 passes for 63 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions, and also carried the ball six times for 27 yards. He didn’t show particularly good vision, giving up on plays too early to run, but he was impressive moving the ball at times. Hoyer completed 6-of-14 pass attempts for 92 yards.
While Manziel’s performance was a ‘B,’ Hoyer’s was still a ‘C’ or a ‘C+,’ according to King, which is apparently enough to make a big difference, even when Hoyer is supposed to be so far ahead.
Fantasy Impact: Manziel is going to get picked in fantasy draft because he's Manziel. That's just going to happen, so get used to the notion. As far as some real advice regarding whether or not you should take him ... it's hard to recommend any Browns quarterback, still. Neither looked particularly impressive, and while Manziel may have some big-play ability, we haven't seen it yet. But as far as the battle is concerned, it does seem to be trending Manziel's way.
