Once again, Mike Pettine did not consider a change at quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. The team was able to make a run at the Indianapolis Colts, but offensive misfires held the team back from getting the win. Brian Hoyer failed to look solid for the second week in a row, but Pettine remained faithful. However, as Hoyer continues to sputter his value to the Browns continues to fall and now the veteran quarterback is not expected to return in 2015.
Hoyer's stats were not nice in Week 14. The quarterback went 14 for 31 for 140 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions. The Browns only lost by one thanks to a strong rushing performance from Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell, but ultimately the quarterback play gets a big blame for the loss. However, after giving Hoyer the yank in Week 13 during a loss to the Buffalo Bills, Pettine opted not to do the same against the Colts.
"I did not consider a change during the game," Pettine said, via the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "I haven't even thought about it so it's something we'll get together and discuss at some point. It's too fresh after this one to think forward. He did not play well enough for us to win. We're in a bottom line business. The entire team did not play well enough for us to win."
Now, Pettine must decide if it is worth it to give Johnny Manziel a try under center. The rookie quarterback was the lone bright spot in the loss Buffalo, orchestrating a touchdown drive for the Browns that was capped off by a signature rush from Manziel into the endzone. Players rallied behind him as both Josh Gordon and Andrew Hawkins offered up praise. However, that has yet to be enough to get the rookie a start, but Hoyer's struggles might put Pettine over the edge.
With Hoyer's short-term future in doubt, his long-term future is not looking much better. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Hoyer is not expected to return to Cleveland in 2015. The veteran quarterback is playing on an expiring contract and Cleveland has been coy about their intentions with him in the future. Having Manziel certainly complicates the future. Hoyer told the media at the beginning of the year that he simply wants to play for a team that will let him start. He has certainly proved capable of starting and winning so teams will take interest.
The Browns can go a few directions with their quarterback spot. Some have speculated Hoyer will be re-sign and Manziel will get traded. Some have wondered if Cleveland will use one of their two first-round draft picks to grab a big named rookie again. It is all up in the air, but if Hoyer gets the feeling he will not be allowed to start, the veteran will be leaving the Browns.
