The Cleveland Browns announced that quarterback Johnny Manziel will start Thursday night against the Cincinnati Bengals, and Manziel reportedly has the opportunity to win the starting job for the second half of the season, according to NFL Insider Jason Cole.
Browns head coach Mike Pettine announced Wednesday morning that Manziel will start Thursday against the undefeated Bengals, and he has a tough test on a short week.
"There are sources within the Browns organization who expect Manziel is going to put on a good performance," said Cole, via Bleacher Report. "If not win the starting job for the second half of the season." Manziel has been in the news recently, but not for his play on the field, as he was involved in a domestic dispute with his girlfriend that involved alcohol and the police, and is currently being investigated by the NFL.
Manziel has seen limited time this season, but with quarterback Josh McCown out with a painful rib injury, he will need to take advantage of the opportunity.
"On the short week, we realized that Josh just wasn't going to be able to go," said Pettine, via ESPN. "Johnny has worked hard to prepare himself. He is excited about his opportunity and we are all looking forward to the challenge."
Manziel played earlier this season when McCown suffered a concussion, and the Browns might want to see what they have in him, as they could be thinking about drafting a quarterback in 2016. In Manziel's only start this season, he helped lead the Browns to a 28-14 win over the Tennessee Titans, but the organization probably wants to see how he performs against the best team in its division. Manziel has thrown for 393 yards this season with three touchdowns to one interception.
The Browns are 2-6, and head into arguably their toughest game of the season against the Bengals. Cincinnati looks unstoppable at this point, and is coming off a huge win against the Steelers this past Sunday. Manziel will have to play smart if he wants to get a win Thursday night, as Cincinnati's defense can create turnovers quickly.
Manziel is constantly in the spotlight, but this will be the first time it's about football since he started against the Titans. The former first round draft pick can prove he can be a starter in this league with a win in Cincinnati, but that is definitely easier said than done.
