Cleveland Browns coach Mike Pettine made it clear again he wasn't concerned about rookie Johnny Manziel's off-the-field activities and believes it will "be a non-story" when training camp starts. Pettine also said he would name the starting quarterback by the third preseason game.
Manziel has had a busy summer, seemingly juggling his learning of the Browns' offensive playbook with weekend-long trips all over - from Las Vegas to Mexico. While some pundits have scrutinized the rookie and his work ethic, Pettine again came to Manziel's defense and dismissed the off-the-field trips as a "non-story."
"It's something that was a hot topic for the offseason just because of who he is," Pettine said Monday morning, via ESPN. "It's a very unique thing. I don't think he can get a handle on the why. Is his behavior that much different (from) the average NFL player?"
Manziel is one of the NFL's most popular players, albeit never having taken a snap as a pro. Despite Manziel's much-publicized offseason, Pettine told reporters the former Texas A&M star has been doing all the right things when with the team.
"(The offseason trips have) been such a small sample of him being here," Pettine said. "While he's been here he's been great. He's been very humble. He's been great in the meeting rooms. Worked hard. Worked hard in the weight room; one of the best guys in the weight room. Asked the right questions. I think he's ahead of the learning curve.
"We always say, if we see it start to affect his job, then I think there would be much more of a cause for concern."
The Browns begin training camp on July 26. Pettine also said, according to ESPN, he would name the starting quarterback by the third preseason game.
Incumbent starter Brian Hoyer is believed to have an edge on Manziel and is expected to be under center in Week 1.
