Johnny Manziel might have been a disaster on and off the field as a rookie, but the second-year version of Johnny Football is more subdued in front of cameras, and apparently much improved on the gridiron.
During a scrimmage this weekend Manziel was locked in, finishing 9-of-11 with two touchdown passes and outplaying veteran free agent Josh McCown, who has been touted as Cleveland’s starter. Manziel was happy with his performance, but was sure not to rock the boat.
Josh McCown has not been guaranteed a starting job
"I wouldn't make a huge deal about it, but it's progress for me," Manziel said. "It's better than I played last year in the scrimmage. I'm happy about it and happy about stringing some good days together. That's what I wanted to do."
While Manziel flopped in 2014, as a first-round pick the Browns would like to receive contributions from him sooner rather than later. McCown is a veteran in his 30s, and even if he represents a safer option in the present, Manziel is the future. At least Cleveland hopes so, and they won’t find out unless he plays.
Dwayne Bowe expresses excitement about McCown, not Manziel
Manziel’s blazing scrimmage can’t hurt, but Browns head coach Mike Pettine was reportedly unmoved by the performance.
Browns left tackle Joe Thomas is excited about McCown as well, showing support to the veteran when chatting with Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot.
In 2013 McCown stunned the NFL in a short stint filling in for Jay Cutler in Chicago, tossing 13 touchdowns and only one interception in five games. He was rewarded with a contract from the Buccaneers in the offseason, but was disastrous. He went 1-10 in 11 starts, and threw 11 touchdowns to 14 picks. He has serious support from key members of the organization, but if Manziel continues to impress it will be tough for a journeyman to hold off a high-profile first-round pick.
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