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Hoyer, Manziel are both hurt, so Connor Shaw may start

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All season we’ve been asking whether the Browns would start Brian Hoyer or Johnny Manziel. At the end of the season, the answer may be neither.

Undrafted rookie quarterback Connor Shaw, a member of the practice squad, may be called up to the active roster and forced to start Sunday’s season finale against the Ravens. Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reports that Manziel’s hamstring injury, which forced him out of Sunday’s game, and an injury to Hoyer’s shoulder suffered after Manziel went out, could leave Shaw as the only option.

A three-year starter at South Carolina, Shaw was signed by the Browns in May and had some good performances in the preseason this year. Perhaps he can have another good performance in the season finale, and add a new element to the Browns’ inevitable quarterback controversy in 2015.

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48 Responses to “Hoyer, Manziel are both hurt, so Connor Shaw may start”
  1. RomoIsGod says: Dec 22, 2014 3:24 PM

    Watch him be the best one out of the 3. Only in Cleveland.

  2. steelbreeze676 says: Dec 22, 2014 3:25 PM

    He’s probably the best of the 3 anyway.

  3. classyjacklambert says: Dec 22, 2014 3:26 PM

    It would be so funny if this scrub ends up being the best of the three and eliminates the Ravens from the playoffs this week.

  4. sweepthleg says: Dec 22, 2014 3:26 PM

    Connor Shaw easily the best QB on the roster. Now i have a reason to watch the Browns game on Saturday.

    Go Connor!

  5. bmoreb says: Dec 22, 2014 3:26 PM

    It doesn’t matter, we couldn’t beat a 4th stringer yesterday.

  6. jamaltimore says: Dec 22, 2014 3:28 PM

    Good glad he’s only 3rd string if Ravens had to face another 4th string QB no way they could win.

  7. hehatemyfootballteam says: Dec 22, 2014 3:28 PM

    They need to move that game to SUnday night

  8. htowntexan says: Dec 22, 2014 3:28 PM

    I need the Browns to win this game, and this isn’t helping.

  9. Steelers are Superior says: Dec 22, 2014 3:29 PM

    Haha, same ole Browns. The eternally hopeful Cleveland fans really thought this time would be different.

  10. buckybadger says: Dec 22, 2014 3:29 PM

    This kid could be good. I think he is better than Manziel and he looked it in the preseason. I would play this kid either way just to get a look at him.

  11. notwhoyouthinkitis says: Dec 22, 2014 3:30 PM

    The Ravens will win big and somehow think they are suddenly world-beaters. 😉

  12. gbatap says: Dec 22, 2014 3:32 PM

    Shaw was the best of the three in preseason. All people have done is doubt him and all he’s done is win. Give him the chance.

  13. shaggytoodle says: Dec 22, 2014 3:33 PM

    I’ll Pass on Money Manziel and Hoyer the Destroyer.

    Its Shawtime!

  14. thelastwordyaheard says: Dec 22, 2014 3:33 PM

    Shaw is a gritty winner.. would not be at all surprised to see him do well and be the starter in 2015

  15. ledzep826 says: Dec 22, 2014 3:33 PM

    The Ravens catch another break , can they take advantage of this matchup to TRY to get in the playoffs.

  16. ravenswhat says: Dec 22, 2014 3:34 PM

    If Joe plays like he did against the texans, it doesn’t matter who the browns put out there.

  17. wawa33 says: Dec 22, 2014 3:35 PM

    Get ready for Connor Football…

  18. cybersqueak says: Dec 22, 2014 3:38 PM

    Shaw > Manziel

    – Steve Spurrier

  19. ravenbiker says: Dec 22, 2014 3:38 PM

    The Ravens have almost eliminated themselves with yesterday’s game. Now they need serious help to even see 6th seed, but they HAVE to win this week or there’s not even that chance.

  20. ninetysixer says: Dec 22, 2014 3:40 PM

    well, we lost to a 4th string qb, so a 3rd string qb will probably dominate us

  21. kuechlyisabeast says: Dec 22, 2014 3:41 PM

    The Panthers took out two quarterbacks in one day. well…i use the term quarterbacks loosely.

  22. truths4all says: Dec 22, 2014 3:45 PM

    The Cards have Ryan Lindley available for 6th round pick to come in and save the day for the Browns just like he did for the Cards!!!

  23. ebpatton says: Dec 22, 2014 3:47 PM

    Why not play Shaw? They know what they have in Hoyer and Manziel. I like Hoyer, and I’d try to keep him around for a few years. I’d trade Manziel for anything I could get for him. But why not give Shaw a start? What have the Browns got to lose?

  24. ajigel says: Dec 22, 2014 3:55 PM

    Its not a true Browns season until the 3rd QB starts

  25. ballboy48 says: Dec 22, 2014 3:55 PM

    Wait? Is this the same Connor Shaw that played for South Carolina? The guy had something like 24 TD’s and 1 INT last year. Watch this kid, because I’ve seen him play at South Carolina, and he is more pro ready than Manziel. He’s probably the best out of all three.

  26. buffal0s0ldier says: Dec 22, 2014 4:02 PM

    Lmfao this is awesome.

    Eat it Pettine.

  27. kosarsmyidol says: Dec 22, 2014 4:02 PM

    ebpatton says: Dec 22, 2014 3:47 PM

    Why not play Shaw? They know what they have in Hoyer and Manziel. I like Hoyer, and I’d try to keep him around for a few years. I’d trade Manziel for anything I could get for him. But why not give Shaw a start? What have the Browns got to lose?

    —————————————————————-

    They know what they have in Manziel? The guy’s played 6 quarters for crying out loud. I’d rather see Shaw play the last game than Hoyer, though.

  28. Nofoolnodrool says: Dec 22, 2014 4:04 PM

    Good glad he’s only 3rd string if Ravens had to face another 4th string QB no way they could win.

    I guess you forgot about Charlie Batch huh?

  29. osidebrownsfan says: Dec 22, 2014 4:08 PM

    Screamed bloody hell when we drafted Manziel but liked picking up Shaw. Watch a lot of college ball and this kid was great. Good accuracy over 60% completion with only one (1) INT in 2013 with a couple dozen TD’s. Mobile too with over 500 yds on the ground. Although I can’t stand cry-baby Spurrier he does run a system and Shaw had it mastered. Give the kid some play time and let him seriously compete for the job in 2015.

  30. rollingrocks9 says: Dec 22, 2014 4:13 PM

    6 quarters too many as far as the Browns are concerned!! Merrill Hoge is completely correct. Manziel is a 6th round talent drafted in the first round. No way he lives up to those expectations. The only thing worse than Manziel’s play on the field is the rush of Networks to sign him up next year when his career is over!!!

  31. truths4all says: Dec 22, 2014 4:18 PM

    Now that Sanchez has shown he can be effective if he is on a decent team that provides some protection, its time to dust off another USC (University of Spoiled Children) castoff and give Lienart a chance.

    He was a beast in college and had a promising NFL career until Whisenhunt ruined him, perhaps beyond salvage, but you never know with the time that has passed, he might be rid of the demons Whisenhunt instilled into him.

  32. honkeyt says: Dec 22, 2014 4:28 PM

    Conner Football.

  33. kwjsb says: Dec 22, 2014 4:32 PM

    I hope Shaw survives behind the 4th string center, In preseason he looked like he could develop

  34. camdenyard says: Dec 22, 2014 4:37 PM

    The Ravens have almost eliminated themselves with yesterday’s game. Now they need serious help to even see 6th seed, but they HAVE to win this week or there’s not even that chance.

    =================================

    Define serious help…needing KC to beat SD in Kansas City? OK. Not easy, but by no means “serious help”.

  35. Big Ant TV says: Dec 22, 2014 4:48 PM

    TIME TO ADD ANOTHER NAME TOO THE JERSEY OF CLEVELAND QB’S SINCE 99 LOL

  36. JackedUpSports says: Dec 22, 2014 4:56 PM

    I’m actually not trying to make a Browns joke or anything but seriously Connor Shaw is better than Hoyer and Manziel. He’s Russell Wilson Lite. Go watch his tape. True field general.

  37. denverdude7 says: Dec 22, 2014 4:58 PM

    Let Hoyer walk away in free agency. (Which, if he is smart he’ll do anyway)

    Trade Manziel for anything you can get. (Probably a kicking tee and used jock strap)

    Package the two 1st round draft choices to move up and draft a real quarterback.

    In the meantime, start Conner Shaw. He can’t be any worse than Hoyer or Manziel.

  38. bernieknowsfootball says: Dec 22, 2014 5:04 PM

    If Shaw started from the beginning, we’d be watching some playoff games .

  39. fwippel says: Dec 22, 2014 5:06 PM

    I’ve said this before on this site, and I’ll say it again: By the end of 2015, Connor Shaw will have established himself as the best QB on the Browns roster.

    Shaw proved himself a winner in college; check out his stats from his senior season at South Carolina. He’s an accurate passer, mobile, and smart, and takes good care of the football. I would not be at all surprised to see him outplay Manziel next year.

  40. thegreatgabbert says: Dec 22, 2014 5:19 PM

    Assistant trainers are going to be suiting up for some teams soon, and Gabbert is stuck behind that goofy reindeer in San Fran. Crappiest luck ever.

  41. fleaflickerz says: Dec 22, 2014 5:55 PM

    kuechlyisabeast says:Dec 22, 2014 3:41 PM

    The Panthers took out two quarterbacks in one day. well…i use the term quarterbacks loosely.

    _________________________________

    I’m glad that Cam Newton is okay… I really am. But wasn’t it some little old lady that flipped his truck over & sent him to the hospital earlier in December … & you’re talking about how your guys excel at taking out QB’s ? Think about it…

  42. fordmandalay says: Dec 22, 2014 6:12 PM

    I see a replay of the Hoyer scenario from last year; Cleveland backup QB is put in; doesn’t completely suck like every other Cleveland QB ever; Cleveland fans anoint him as the Franchise Hope For The Future. The following season, reality bites.

  43. emmac13 says: Dec 22, 2014 6:14 PM

    Johnny and Josh both will be out of the NFL within 2 years and will be running Flying J stations.

  44. geezohman says: Dec 22, 2014 6:17 PM

    I remember Connor playing in a pre-season game … went 8 of 9 with a TD. That should have woke the coaches up then… I tried telling that to the local sports radio station and they ‘dissed’ the idea. I hope he comes in and kicks the Ravens butt… and I’m a Steeler fan. The college coach tried to tell the media the kid was good.

  45. justcallingit says: Dec 22, 2014 7:10 PM

    That’s baloney. Browns are just trying to lose the last game so they can get a higher draft pick. So obvious.

  46. onlyoneleft says: Dec 22, 2014 9:17 PM

    These guys may be a little slow but they are not that dumb. Shaw is no NFL quarterback even if they win Sat.

  47. brownsprotonator says: Dec 22, 2014 9:18 PM

    Ray: hey Mike, go and check to make sure Brian isn’t hurt

    Mike: Hurt? no, hes fine. He’s going to star…

    Ray: …no, make sure he isn’t “hurt” (wink, wink). Jimmy wants to make absolutely certain.

    Mike: Oh I see what you’re doing there. Come to think of it, yeah, Brian said he slept funny on his shoulder last night. Give me a few minutes to figure out a spin on this to sell it to Mary Kay and the Plain Dealer. Those silly fans will be none the wiser. I’ll get them to talk about Shaw for the rest of the week so they’ll be off our backs. heh heh

  48. dickjagger says: Dec 23, 2014 11:36 AM

    @foolndrool

    “Good glad he’s only 3rd string if Ravens had to face another 4th string QB no way they could win.

    I guess you forgot about Charlie Batch huh?”

    Says the guy who’s team got beat by TEBOW! LOL!

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