Although Johnny Manziel will start for the Browns on Sunday, there isn't a quarterback controversy in Cleveland. NFL Media's Ian Rapoport reports the team remains committed to veteran Josh McCown at the position for the time being.
Johnny Manziel will start Week 2, but Browns reportedly are committed to Josh McCown
Head coach Mike Pettine said this week McCown would’ve played Sunday if he had been cleared.
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McCown suffered a concussion in the first quarter of Cleveland's Week 1 loss to the Jets. Manziel took over, and threw a 54-yard touchdown bomb to wide receiver Travis Benjamin on his first possession. But then the 2014 first-round pick struggled — he threw an interception, lost two fumbles and was sacked three times. Manziel went 13 of 24 for 182 yards.
The Browns are reportedly impressed with the way Manziel has rebounded from a tumultuous rookie campaign, which culminated in a rehab stint last winter for what was described as his “possible dependence on alcohol.” But despite the progress Manziel has made, the Browns aren’t ready to hand him the starting job yet. Head coach Mike Pettine said Thursday that McCown was going to play if he was cleared to practice Friday.
“I don’t see an issue if he’s cleared and practices fully tomorrow,” Pettine said. “I don’t see, barring anything unforeseen, a reason why we wouldn’t play him.”
But an independent neurologist didn’t clear McCown, so he will have to sit out for one more week. The 13-year veteran beat out Manziel for the starting quarterback job in training camp.
As far as the game plan this week is concerned, NFL.com is reporting the Browns probably won't call many runs with Manziel against the Tennessee Titans. Backup quarterback Austin Davis has only been with the team for roughly a week and a half, and the Browns don't want to risk putting him into game action.
That means Manziel will probably be forced to stay in the pocket, which takes away a lot of the athleticism he brings to the QB position. He was the Browns’ leading rusher last week.
Instead of relying on his legs, Manziel will have to depend on his brain and ability to read defenses if he's to have success against the Titans. He'll have more receivers to target than he did last week, as veteran pass catcher Dwayne Bowe will be active Sunday for the first time this season.
Sunday will be a test for Manziel, even if he’s not currently playing for the starting gig.
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