Johnny Manziel's first start did not go the way the Browns hoped it would, but the bigger issue may have been what happened before the game. By now, everyone has seen the disaster that was Cleveland's performance against the Cincinnati Bengals, but Cleveland players probably did not do Manziel any favors during warmups.
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According to media reports, some Cleveland players decided to demonstrate their feelings about Manziel when they refused to shake his hand during the team's pregame introductions. A few players even went so far as to ignore Manziel altogether, refusing to acknowledge him in any way.
Pam Oliver, sideline reporter for Fox Sports, elaborated on the situation.
"Mike Pettine, when he was debating about Brian Hoyer, he said all the right things about how (the Browns) were winning with him," said Oliver.
"To make that flip flop to Manziel - I don't think (Manziel's) teammates have embraced him just yet. I was watching the introduction line with the pyrotechnics and all of that, and everybody runs through (their teammates). He was the last one to go. Some people kept their hands to themselves (and didn't acknowledge him)."
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The game was one to forget for Johnny Football, as he completed just 10 of 18 passes for a meager 80 yards. He also threw two interceptions, and the Bengals won the game 30-0.
Cleveland made the switch to Manziel at quarterback after a miserable stretch of games from Brian Hoyer that culminated in a last-minute loss to Indianapolis that likely ended Cleveland's playoff hopes. TheBrowns are now certainly out of the postseason hunt, and they will most likely keep Manziel in the starting lineup so that he can begin acclimating to the speed of the NFL game.
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