Brian Hoyer did not play his best football on Sunday. The quarterback struggled early as the Cleveland Browns took on the Atlanta Falcons. Hoyer was tossing more interceptions than touchdowns as the Browns looked poised for a loss until a last minute drive resulting in a game-winning field goal as the clock ticked down. However, as Hoyer continued to struggle. Johnny Manziel sat on the sidelines and head coach Mike Pettine never once considered putting him in.
Apparently it will take more than three interceptions for Hoyer to get benched and replaced by Manziel. As the quarterback nearly blew the game for the Browns, Pettine remained confident in the veteran which worked out considering he escalated a near perfect game-winning drive. Manziel never stood a chance. According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Pettine said he "never considered" putting Manziel in the game. Hwoever, the coaching staff had discussed giving the rookie some playing time if things got really bad.
"Brian is still firmly our starter," Pettine said, via Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "Nothing's changed. Each week we make the decision as to if we want to include Johnny in the plan. It was discussed briefly [pulling him], 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. So if the situation this week maybe calls for him to play some then that will be the case. But we're not going to hit the panic button after one loss."
Pettine's words just highlight speculation about Manziel's status with the Browns. As Hoyer continues to win games, it appears more likely that Cleveland will push to re-sign him in free agency. Are they doing the veteran any favors by keeping Manziel on the roster as well? The rookie quarterback is certainly worth something and the Browns could decide a trade is the better option as many teams look to readjust their quarterback plan in 2015. The St. Louis Rams, Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans and Oakland Raiders may all make changes and Manziel could become a priority. The Browns must decide if he is truly the quarterback of the future for the franchise.