QB Johnny Manziel named Cleveland Browns starter for rest of season
Browns announced that Johnny Manziel will be the starting quarterback for the rest of the season on Monday. Mike Pettine officially announced the decision on Tuesday morning.
Manziel, 22, started for the Browns, threw for 372 yards, one touchdown and one interception and completed 73 percent of his passes in a 30-9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.
Browns head coach Pettine said at the end of the game Johnny Manziel’s achievement against Pittsburgh was a “big step forward”
Coach said, “The film showed it even more; he showed significant progress.”
In 2015, the young QB Manziel has started 3 games and already has thrown for 933 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions.
“I think the performance against Pittsburgh validated the progress that he’s made, the improvement that he’s shown – and he deserves this opportunity,” Browns coach Mike Pettine said of Manziel, “We understand where our season is. This is a kid we’ve invested a lot in, and this will give us an opportunity to see how far he’s come, and what he’s capable of.”
Manziel replaces Josh McCown as the starter. In this season McCown, 36, has played seven games threw for 1,897 yards, 11 touchdowns and four interception, he has been sidelined due to a rib injury.
Monday McCown said “We’ll move forward accordingly,” he added. “Just from a philosophical standpoint, if you pick somebody in the first round and they start to play and start to do some good things, I understand it if that’s the decision.”
For the next game The Cleveland Browns (2–8) are set to take on the Ravens (2–7) on Nov. 30 after their bye week.