Johnny Manziel is reportedly making big strides in training camp, and drawing high praise from Browns quarterbacks coach Kevin O’Connell.
"From the day I came in, in the spring, and we finally got the players in the building, and from Day One -- in the building, in the classroom -- he's been phenomenal around Josh (McCown) and the other quarterbacks and myself and (coordinator John) DeFelippo," O'Connell said to NFL.com.
Manziel outplays McCown, Pettine remains unmoved
In addition to saying Manziel is “starting to flourish,” O’Connell has been impressed with how Manziel is improving as a reader of defenses.
"You see him getting through his progressions. We talk a lot about progressions and protections, and it's kind of something that's scattered -- a lot of different topics -- and there's a lot of little things you have to focus on in playing the quarterback position, but when you start getting comfortable with that, the game starts slowing down for guys."
Only one backup QB is currently rated worse than Johnny Football
Manziel was electric in a scrimmage this weekend, chucking two touchdown passes and looking more impressive than presumed starter Josh McCown. Still, it appears Manziel has a long way to go before he can push McCown for the starting job.
Cleveland’s brass and coaching staff fell in love with McCown during OTAs, but it isn’t hard to imagine him falling out of favor quickly if his play picks up where it left off in 2014. Last season McCown was signed by the Buccaneers to be their starter but he flopped, going 1-10 in 11 starts and helping Tampa Bay to the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 Draft. They let go of McCown and spent that pick on quarterback Jameis Winston.
Fans will get their first look at the new Johnny Football in game situations Thursday, Cleveland’s first preseason tilt, at home against Washington. Despite some elbow soreness, head coach Mike Pettine said, "We're expecting him to get ready to roll."
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