Johnny Manziel has exceeded expectations so far in OTAs and in the first game of the preseason, but Browns coach Mike Pettine seems determined to ride with veteran quarterback Josh McCown. The preseason is an excellent proving ground for Manziel, who flopped badly as a rookie, but for Week 2 Pettine plans on increasing McCown's reps.
McCown may play up to 25 snaps in Week 2, with Manziel taking over sometime in the second quarter, and playing into the second half before giving way to Thad Lewis, per ESPN's Pat McManamon
Manziel Outplays McCown In Scrimmage, Still Behind The Veteran
Manziel has dropped the bluster that made him a whirlwind of media attention in college at Texas A&M, and as a rookie in 2014. Instead of making bold claims or complaining about being a backup, the 2014 No. 22 pick humbly said he wants to build off the previous week's performance.
"Do better than last week," Manziel said. "We scored once last week. Let's get in twice this week."
Only One Backup QB Is Rated Worse Than Johnny Manziel
In Week 1 Manziel was 7-of-11 throwing the ball, and led the Browns in rushing with 14 yards and a touchdown. That doesn't say much about the current state of Cleveland's running game, but it's good stuff from Johnny Football. He has kept his mouth shut, and, for one week at least, made plays.
The bad news for him is that McCown was basically flawless. He completed all five of his pass attempts vs. the Redskins, one of which was a touchdown strike to Travis Benjamin.
McCown looks very likely to be bulletproof when it comes to fending off Manziel, but the Browns are showing confidence in the young passer even while keeping him second on the depth chart. Fellow QB Connor Shaw was lost for the season with a thumb injury, and Pettine said the Browns don't have a need to bring in more quarterbacks.
"I think we are OK. The volume won't be as much as it was early in camp. I think if this had happened (preseason) Week 1, we would have looked to add an arm. I just don't think we are there at this point."
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