Getty ImagesOn Monday, Browns coach Mike Pettine said he wasn’t prepared to name Johnny Manziel the team’s starting quarterback for the rest of the season regardless of Josh McCown’s health.
It looks like Pettine and the Browns have gotten their ducks in a row, though. Jay Glazer of FOX Sports reports that Manziel will make the move to the top rung of the depth chart for the rest of the season. Glazer adds that both quarterbacks have been informed of the decision.
It’s hard to argue with that choice. At 2-8, the Browns have little reason not to look forward to 2016 and find ways to make that season go better than this one. The jury remains out on whether Manziel can help them achieve that goal, but there’s no way to render a verdict without actually seeing what he can do over an extended period of time.
If the feeling is that he can do the job, the Browns can look for help at other spots with what will be another high draft pick. If Manziel sputters, that pick could go for another quarterback that the team’s decision-makers — be they the current ones or a new regime — believe is better suited for the job.
UPDATE 11:15 a.m. ET: The Browns have announced that Manziel will be their starter moving forward.
And then a new coach.
Right move, see what you got.
They might as well spend the reason of the season figuring out if Manziel is viable for the future or if they have to start over next year in the draft. They’re going nowhere with McCown as the QB, and they’re effectively eliminated from the playoffs already.
finally, a sensible owner intervention in Cleveland
I am guessing this decision was made over Pettine’s head because he’s made it clear that Manziel would only ever play for him if he had no choice.
Regardless, this was the right move for the team going forward which is why i’m surprised Pettine is still the coach.
Why Pettine has resisted this is beyond me, but it’s why he’s going to be the fall guy and get fired in a month and a half.
Finally! Good luck Johnny!
Big John Football. Oh yea!!!
That should put them in position to draft Lynch or Goff next spring.
They must be out to get a top draft pick in the first round so they can go after another qb again. What a crappy organization.
does being named a starting QB come with a round the clock babysitter?!
Obrien says he wished he had not pulled Boyer for Mallett. I’m glad they did because they needed to see if he could do the job or not. It’s the same with Manziel. No better time than the present……
The Browns can see what they have in Manziel, but it’s clear they’ve thrown the towel in for the rest of the season.
#YetAnotherHeismanBust
Well Johnny, you’re up, sink or swim??? Good luck kid, hope you can prove all the haters wrong!
And to think they wanted to trade, cut or bench him 2 weeks ago
not sure if he is the answer, but he is exciting and makes browns games fun to watch!
I give Pettine props for finally coming to his senses. Now come to your senses about firing your defensive coordinator and Ray farmer at the end of the season, unless you want another linemen with the early pick in the draft.
Also heard that Josh McCown talked to Farmer and management that Manziel should start. If that’s true, he’s a true professional and a team first guy. There’s not many of those left in the league.
I guess someone made the decision for Pettine…..I hope he’s lining up his next gig because this one is up on black Monday…..
Johnny Rehab to the rescue. Most likely not. Lets hope this is nothing more than a showcase to acquire assets, which they will screw up.
Johnny doesnt have the arm strength to survive in the AFC North in late November or December or beyond.
He wont be able run and dance once the weather turns.
He cant see over the line.
He cant make the easy throw according to Kurt Warner.
Another fine mess for the Browns.
He basically has no choice, Pettine most certainly would not have even playing Manziel Sunday had McCown been healthy,which sheds a lot of light on Pettine’s coaching. Not that Manziel is an obvious saviour, but he was far from the reason they lost. McCown has been outstanding, but at 36 and the season gone, Pettine needs to be Manziel’s biggest fan. (and find a defense)
When knowledgeable fans know who to start over your idiot head coach and when knowledgeable fans can pick better players than your GM that doesnt bode well for these 2 bozos.
When people around the NFL are ripping your head coach becuz hes stupid, that doesnt bode well for you Pettine.
Heck Dick LeBeau, who knows defense as well as anyone, last year was more worried about Manziel starting than Hoyer, but the idiot head coach starts Hoyer,
“Why Pettine has resisted this is beyond me, but it’s why he’s going to be the fall guy and get fired in a month and a half.”
If Pettine goes, it is not because he is a fall guy for anything. It will be because he is not good at head coaching football.
This team is poorly coached. It’s one of the most penalized teams in the league. The fall flat the second half of every game, out coached every time it seems when the other sideline makes adjustments. The team has quit. That’s all coaching.
eagleswin says:
Nov 17, 2015 10:59 AM
I am guessing this decision was made over Pettine’s head because he’s made it clear that Manziel would only ever play for him if he had no choice.
Regardless, this was the right move for the team going forward which is why i’m surprised Pettine is still the coach.
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It’s probably the only reason he still is the coach. As I said yesterday, this was probably presented to him as an ultimatum- “put the kid in and keep your job at least until the end of the season, or refuse and get fired today”.
NFL bye weeks…gotta love ’em. It’s when even bad teams become relevant for a day.
The time for this move had long since passed, typical of the clown show ‘brain trust’ that presides over The Factory of Sadness to come around to it after even the most casual of observers. One way or another they need to know what Manziel brings to the table. So typical of the Browns to decide on drafting the guy in the 1st round then not work towards maximizing that investment.
Browns fans deserve better
Ownership has its privileges.
When knowledgeable fans know who to start over your idiot head coach and when knowledgeable fans can pick better players than your GM that doesnt bode well for these 2 bozos.
When people around the NFL are ripping your head coach becuz hes stupid, that doesnt bode well for you Pettine.
Heck Dick LeBeau, who knows defense as well as anyone, last year was more worried about Manziel starting than Hoyer, but the idiot head coach starts Hoyer,
Did u watch anything last year.. He was NOt ready and hoyer was better option. I wouldn’t blame petting for last year but this year…,? I would
This isn’t even fun anymore.
Pettine didnt make this decision Haslem did and rightfully so.
Get Treadwell in the draft so Johnny has a WR that can catch the ball and some size instead of the smurfs currently on the Browns roster that cant catch.
Get rid of Hartline, Hawkins, Bowe and Gabriel and draft some WRs or bring in Quality WRs.
let Johnny run around and make plays
were in full nfl draft 2016 tank mode now
he will stink up the place
another top 5-10 pick for us browns fans
you guys are so goddamn gullible. no he’s not gonna be starting qb, he just legally changed his name to “browns starter”
Draft an RB the Browns can pound the AFC North into submission next year, early on. Find another wr, and build the D. If Johnny can handle it, then this could be a team on the rise.
I still see Manziel winding up in Dallas, some way or another…
crickets
billsfan1 says:Nov 17, 2015 11:33 AM
When knowledgeable fans know who to start over your idiot head coach and when knowledgeable fans can pick better players than your GM that doesnt bode well for these 2 bozos.
When people around the NFL are ripping your head coach becuz hes stupid, that doesnt bode well for you Pettine.
Heck Dick LeBeau, who knows defense as well as anyone, last year was more worried about Manziel starting than Hoyer, but the idiot head coach starts Hoyer,
Did u watch anything last year.. He was NOt ready and hoyer was better option. I wouldn’t blame petting for last year but this year…,? I would
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Yeah becuz Johnny was pissed they started that scrub Hoyer and he had every reason to be pissed. He said screw u no sense in preparing if this clown is going to start.
Pettine is an idiot. What are you Pettine’s son? He blows as a coach. I hope he enjoys being a gym teacher at the local high school.
Johnny football is taking the Browns to the super bowl!!! Then when he’s done in the bathroom he will start for the Browns. (I made that up all by myself)
Time to rename the franchise “The Factory of Madness”. Having said that give the kid his shot. Browns are out of the playoffs anyway. Time for Pettine to go. Never understood why the Browns made my Bills DC their head coach anyway……
Ideally the Browns need to get Treadwell and Elliot because Crowell isnt cutting it and frankly, neither is their OLine. I think they would need to trade with someone to get 2 1st round picks next year.
They need to draft OL that can run block. You can get those guys in the 3rd and 4th rounds
Browns need playmakers and immediate impact players in the 1st and 2nd rounds. Draft NFL ready players not these scrub 3-4 yr projects in the 1st n 2nd rounds i.e. Cam Erving & Danny Shelton
Now get rid of Farmer and Pettine and they’ll be on to something.
They need to draft OL that can run block. You can get those guys in the 3rd and 4th rounds
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First you need a competent GM that can choose those players.
blantoncollier says:
Nov 17, 2015 11:23 AM
Johnny Rehab to the rescue. Most likely not. Lets hope this is nothing more than a showcase to acquire assets, which they will screw up.
Johnny doesnt have the arm strength to survive in the AFC North in late November or December or beyond.
Blantoncollier
Even though I think he can do it, this is good analysis. The whole division plays outdoors. Might as well figure out if can sooner than later.
That goes without saying jerruh. Im assuming Farmer is as good as gone and same with Pettine.
floratiotime says:
And then a new coach.
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Yeah, like that’s ever worked before.
You have to give a young QB about 2-3 years before you can tell what you have. Cleveland isn’t the best environment for a young QB to succeed. Some of the NFL’s greatest QBs in recent years didn’t find success with their original teams (Brett Favre, Steve Young, Kurt Warner, Drew Brees)
I am glad to see what Manziel can do, but with our line, it doesn’t matter who is back there. Our Oline is way over-rated and playing horrible right now.
There’s an idea. Give a QB confidence & support, then a chance to prove something.
Pettine still fired after season.
He’s much better than last year, and if they could surround him with a competent GM and HC, he could be a good QB in the league.
I would be more concerned about the defense. It seriously was pitch and catch for the Steelers. Not being a troll. Just saying that defense was bad.
Until he slaps around his girlfriend again — this time with video.
Starting Manziel for the remainder of the season is mere Due Diligence: to determine Manziel’s potential for a longer term stay in Cleveland. Most would bet, however, that if Chip Kelly decides that he can’t muster listening to Dolly Parton on the radio every afternoon (not a knock against “Country” but actually a high-five!), then no chance that Kelly will reunite with Mariota in Tennessee and perhaps a glimmer of the future at having Manziel in Philadelphia.
Get him some receivers and a capable running back and Johnny might end up ok.
Did the homeless man make that decision too?
Eric Zeier has one good game and 10,000 #2 jerseys were bought on Sunday night in Cleveland.
Cleveland has the worst NFL record since 1999 and still no SBs.
Lastly, why is Clev Stadium’s scoreboard in the shape of Tennessee (Haslam’s home state)?
Every decision the Browns have made at QB seems to the right one at the wrong time. McCown could make this a playoff team, and Manziel could be brought along gradually, a la Aaron Rodgers. I don’t think anything they do know will really change their situation come draft time.
But this is like me asking why the roller coaster is so uneven when we’re in the middle of riding it. These people will just keep doing what they’re doing with decision-making.
Talented little fella won’t physically last the season. See RGIII….
Thanks Jimmy!
At least Pettine had the respect to tell his players to their face before telling the world. That’s about the only thing he did right this week.
Manziel needs the same thing that Griffin needed, and that is time as a backup to develop their understanding of NFL offenses and game speeds.
He was drafted in the first round, but has clearly been a project. Last season is basically a waste, because of his substance abuse issues. This season holding a clipboard is the best thing that could happen to him. The mental side of his game needs to be brought along. Now that he’s going to be in a live fire situation, the playbook is going to be dumbed down and his overall development will be stunted, like Kaeperinck’s.
If you’re going to be losing anyway, then you don’t gain much by playing Manziel. They already know what they have, they see him in practice every week. Finish out the season with the expendable QB, trade down from a high draft position to fill the holes in the roster, stick with a coaching staff so that you have a scheme to plan for, and turn this ship around slowly but surely. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and the Browns aren’t getting fixed overnight.
Pettine has zero respect in the locker room. He and Farmer have done absolutely nothing to improve the Browns. If anything, the team is worse now than the team they inherited.
The defensive line is awful. When they got here they had Aytahba Rubin who was a beast and Billy Winn was very solid and replaced him w a slow fat slob in Danny Shelton. The Bryants werent their picks.
Kirksey and Bitonio are avg at best. They wasted 3 1st round draft picks with Gilbert, Erving and Shelton. Johnny looks solid but that was Haslem’s pick.
I’m still unsure about Farmer. No one can have that many misfires. Why do so many “highly regarded” players turn to absolute crap after a couple years with the Browns? Yet, teams like the Patriots and Packers can sign UFA and turn them into probowl players.
Either Farmer does not know professional football talent (doubtful based on previous success), or Pettine and his crew of high school buddies don’t know HOW to use them.
At least Farmer actually played football and has earned a few years of experience in the FO of NFL football teams. The Dolphins even tried to lure him away so, he must have some credibility within the NFL. However, Pettine’s claim to fame is that his DAD was a respected high school football coach in Pennsylvania. Even as a DC under Wrecks Ryan, nothing to brag about, his defenses finished no higher than what, 28th? Pettine is simply in over his head.
Cleveland Browns World Champs 2016.
WOW someone in Cleveland woke up!!! Start the kid to see what you got, it’s about time!!!
this little guy can play after all. This generations Favre-jeff garcia mix can do some things. He has a little Doug Flutie and Frank Tarkenton as well.
He is part of the new wave of “elite to be QBs” IMO with the likes of:
Russ Wilson, Winston, Marriota, Carr and Bortles.
I left out Teddy Bridgwater because I think he will be another EJ manuel.
Won’t that cut down on his bar time?
good move…..i’m not saying that Manziel is a star QB or a great QB, but when you draft a QB, you got to see if he’s your future or if you need to move on. Manziel could turn their lemons into lemonade or he could fall flat on the Cleveland grass and end up in Washington next year. these last few games will answer some questions.
The Browns have finally come to their senses.