Head coach Mike Pettine told the media that he is trying everything to fix the Cleveland Browns. With job security up in the air, the coach made it clear that the moves being made are for the team and not to save his job. So when it was announced that Austin Davis would start in Week 13, Pettine noted that it was the best move for the short-term. But what about the long-term as Johnny Manziel's future comes under fire once again?
With Josh McCown out, Davis will start against the Cincinnati Bengals. Pettine believes the once third-string quarterback deserves a chance at the starting role and to try and get the win while Manziel will act as the backup. This is certainly a shift from a few weeks ago when Manziel was named the season starter. However, he messed that up with off-the-field issues, but Pettine noted that the Browns still have faith that he can be successful.
"I'll keep it private, but we've had very good discussions about what's happened, what did happen and the future," Pettine said, via ESPN.com. "I see no indication of that. We've got two young guys who are more than talented enough to play in this league. We'll see what they can do."
The question might not be whether or not Manziel can be successful, but whether or not the Browns intend to give him the chance. Entering an offseason of rebuilding, the quarterback position will be a main area of focus. The Browns are poised to get a very high draft pick this year and could very easily use that on a quarterback. McCown is not a long-term option and Davis might not be either. The biggest decision is whether or not Manziel has the chance to be the solution. Right now, the franchise is showing no indication of commitment to him regardless of what Pettine says.
The trade rumors have already begun for the quarterback despite Pettine denying the idea. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Dallas Cowboys could easily make a move for the quarterback. The Philadelphia Eagles are being linked as an option. The Carolina Panthers could bring him on to play behind Cam Newton while the Houston Texans need quarterback help.
Manziel's trade value is not high. Considering the inconsistent numbers he has had on the field paired with the struggles off it, the Browns might simply need to release him if they feel he is not going to bring anything to the franchise long-term. Davis is the short-term answer and he will certainly have his hands full on Sunday. The quarterback will lean heavily on Travis Benjamin and Gary Barnidge along with Duke Johnson. Pettine is hopeful this gets momentum moving in a better direction.
"I know the results aren't anywhere near where they need to be but that doesn't mean that we're not making strides, that we're not getting it set up. It can be done," Pettine said, via the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "To me, it's a belief that we can. I know we have five games left and we're going to go out and wear the Cleveland logo proud and try to win football games."
