The pressure is on Johnny Manziel entering training camp. The quarterback did not have the easiest of offseasons and now must prove he can really be the franchise face of the future. The Cleveland Browns are keeping the door open for Manziel to compete for the starting quarterback job after Josh McCown was added to the roster, but so far things are not going as planned.
The Browns were one of the first teams to kick off training camp for the 2015 season and the media got their first look at Manziel following an offseason rehab stint. According to Pat McManamon of ESPN.com, Manziel competed strictly with the second-team offense and did nothing to impress those watching. Head coach Mike Pettine did his best to stay positive and supportive of the quarterback as Cleveland continues to try and remain patient with Manziel's progress. According to the head coach, "it's hard to say" how both Manziel and McCown performed in the first day.
One player earning rave reviews is Terrelle Pryor who is making the switch from quarterback to wide receiver. While Brian Hartline was critical of his transition, Pryor did a solid job in the role on the first day of camp. Pettine stressed that he looked great on the field while Pryor said he is simply trying to make the most of his talents.
"I believe I can do it," Pryor said, via ESPN.com. "It's just going to take a lot of hard work and focus."
One storyline to watch for Cleveland is the brewing running back battle. With Ben Tate out of the picture, Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West are competing to start after impressive rookie seasons, but the addition of Duke Johnson throws a curveball into that plan. According to NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal, it is believed that Crowell will get the nod, but West is impressing with first-team carries. Pettine stresses a rotation for the offense.
"It'll be a healthy rotation. You'll see all of those guys taking reps with the ones," Pettine said, via the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Johnson is expected to play a big role in the passing game as well. The Browns need as much work from all of their players as possible. Versatility is expected to be the key to making the final roster.
