Johnny Manziel mania will begin on Saturday when the Cleveland Browns travel to Ford Field to take on the Detroit Lions for the teams' first preseason action of 2014.
Browns vs. Lions 2014: How to watch online, TV schedule, radio and more
This isn’t just any NFL game. It’s time for Johnny Football.
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
More on the matchup: The biggest question mark of the game is whether Manziel shows any signs of being ready to start Week 1. In order to do that, he’ll have to make plays and show he can avoid the type of mistakes typical of a rookie quarterback. Though the defense won’t show much, the speed of the game will test him early on.
Similarly, Brian Hoyer has to do enough to maintain his status as the starter. If he falters, it will open the door for a bigger controversy than already exists. Outside of the quarterback position, the Browns have an entire team to put together.
Johnny Football's Debut
With the Lions, there are few surprises heading into the matchup since both sides of the ball feature playmaking veterans poised to make good on aspirations to become a playoff team. That journey begins on Saturday, and from top to bottom their focus is likely on building a winning infrastructure under new head coach Jim Caldwell.
Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson and Reggie Bush headline the offense. Newcomer Golden Tate should help open things up for Megatron and give the unit more firepower.
On defense, Ndamukong Suh leads a front seven that managed 33 sacks a season ago and ranked sixth in rushing yards allowed. First-year defensive coordinator Teryl Austin will try to build some continuity with the talented group.
Game Date/Time and Location: Saturday, Aug. 9, 7:30 p.m. ET, Ford Field, Detroit, Mich.
TV schedule and distribution map: NFL Network; The506.com
Lions blog: Pride of Detroit / Follow Pride of Detroit on Twitter
Browns blog: Dawgs by Nature / Follow Dawgs by Nature on Twitter
Radio schedule: Cleveland: WKNR-850; Detroit: 97.1 WXYT The Ticket
Watch Online: Verizon subscribers can watch games live with the NFL Mobile app (subscription required). NFL Game Pass offers live online broadcasts to users outside the USA.
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