The Cleveland Browns are setting the table for a possible Johnny Manziel appearance this season.
The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported that the Browns briefly toyed with the idea of inserting Manziel into the game during the team's 24-6 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
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Coach Mike Pettine assured the Cleveland media that Brian Hoyer's starting job was safe.
"Brian is still firmly our starter,'' said Pettine, still admittedly feeling the sting of Sunday's 24-6 loss to the previously winless Jaguars, according to the Plain Dealer. "Nothing's changed. Each week we make the decision as to if we want to include Johnny in the plan.
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So no controversy, right? Hoyer is definitely the starter. Except that Pettine opened the door a crack when he was asked whether there was any consideration in seeing whether the rookie out of Texas A&M could provide a spark.
"It was discussed briefly," Pettine admitted, "but it was a situation where we still wanted to...at least try to end the game with Brian on a positive note.
"...Each week when the offensive staff gets together -- and I'll jump in with them too -- is that they put the plan together, and it's what gives us the best chance to win,'' said Pettine. "So if the situation this week maybe calls for (Manziel) to play some then that will be the case. But we're not going to hit the panic button after one loss. While we know that the quarterback position needed to be more productive, it was more symptomatic of the entire offense.''
If Pettine felt he had to tell the truth about the Browns thought process, he could've used the coachspeak answer that every position is evaluated and that if the team feels a change is necessary at any position, then the coaching staff would consider it.
Instead he sent a message to Hoyer and to Manziel. Hoyer, the journeyman starter, now is on notice that the offense better start moving the football. And Manziel, the first-round draft choice, better start preparing as if he's going to play.
How much longer with the Cleveland Browns stick with Brian Hoyer until they decide to give Johnny Manziel a chance to show what he can do? Comment below or tell us @SportsWN.
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