The Cleveland Browns are benefitting from the solid play of Brian Hoyer, but it is not stopping the media from speculating about ongoing quarterback drama between the veteran and rookie Johnny Manziel. The Browns have remained true to their word about fully investing in Hoyer as their starting quarterback and that is paying off. However, Manziel is waiting in the wings and reportedly frustrated about his status on the team.
Through seven games of the season, Manziel has seen the field once. This is certainly not what the first-round draft pick had in mind after he entered the league as one of the more high-profiled rookies with endorsement deals rolling in. Naturally his frustrations are growing and head coach Mike Pettine recognizes that Manziel wants to be on the field instead of the bench.
"That's a position that can be frustrating," Pettine said, via ESPN.com. "He's preparing like a starter. It can happen in a span of one play. He has to be ready to go, has to be prepared. There's no reason to believe that he's not." "The competitor he is is one of the biggest reasons we brought him here. If he didn't feel [frustrated], I'd be shocked."
Manziel has said all of the right things in front of the media, publically praising Hoyer as the team's leader. Hoyer continues to remain neutral in the argument, letting his play on the field do the talking. However, things will get messy in the offseason. Hoyer is playing on an expiring deal and his current stats certainly bode well for an extension. However, with Manziel on the roster, will the Browns keep the veteran around? Hoyer wants to be on a team where he starts. Manziel wants to be on a team where he starts. Who stays and who goes?
"That's a question we need to have answered, but it's not something that you can force," Pettine said. "Brian's our starting quarterback. That's a difficult thing to say, 'Let's just go ahead.' All the games are meaningful. If it ever gets to the point where we're potentially up big, down big, or if there's a situation that calls for him to go in, we'll get an opportunity to see him. But there's a lot of football left to be played. You're looking for an evaluation at some point, but I don't think you can force it."
The trade rumor mill had the Browns dealing Manziel at the deadline, something they clearly opted not to do. However, if Hoyer gets re-signed in the offseason, will they keep the rookie around? The Browns could easily get a high draft pick in return for Manziel to add to the two first-round picks they already own. If the Browns think they have quarterback drama now, it will only get worse in the offseason.
