Things aren't looking so bad for the Cleveland Browns. They're 4-3 and will face the horrid Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. However, the declining play of quarterback Brian Hoyer could affect his status as the starter down the road, which may ultimately lead to Johnny Manziel taking the job.
So far in 2014, Hoyer has completed 57.3% of his passes for 1,714 yards with eight touchdowns and two interceptions. Although his stats seem serviceable, Hoyer only has one multi-touchdown game and failed to score against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 7 (he was 16-of-41 passing for 215 yards and an interception). He led game-winning drives against the Saints in Week 2 and Titans in Week 5, but there hasn't been significant improvement on his end since the season began.
Cleveland has a decision to make by the end of the year in terms of keeping Hoyer. The 29-year-old is scheduled to become a free-agent and many believe a long-term contract is out of question, which could mean they'll either slap him with the franchise tag and keep him for one more year at a high price or just throw Johnny Manziel under center and see what he's capable of. Hoyer wasn't overly impressive against inferior teams such as the Jaguars and Raiders, so it's possible Manziel can inherit the starting job if Hoyer fails to put up solid numbers against the Buccaneers, Texans and Falcons, who they'll play in three of the next four weeks.
It all depends, because if the Browns have a solid shot at the playoffs after the next three games or so, they'll probably just stick with Hoyer. But speculation right now is that Manziel is getting closer and closer to taking over at quarterback if Hoyer's mediocrity ensues.
"Simply put, at which point do the coaches insert Johnny Manziel not to execute a gimmick play but to spark the offense? And if he is successful, does the rookie quarterback stay in? While it truly may be unfair to question Hoyer's job status after one bad game, the reality is the internal pressure - and conversation -- to play Manziel has turned up considerably," wrote Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland.
Before Sunday's 23-13 victory over Oakland, many were talking about a possible Manziel appearance in Week 9 if Hoyer laid an egg against the Raiders like he did the previous week against the Jaguars. This speculation is likely continuing for Week 9 against the Buccaneers, who clearly appear to be the worst team in the NFL considering the talent they have and the losses they've suffered. If Hoyer can't show solid production against one of the league's worst teams then head coach Mike Pettine may have to make a drastic decision.
The Browns have been playing solid football, but they need something to put them over the edge. Hoyer's 57.3% completion percentage ranks 32nd in the NFL, his 1,714 passing yards rank 16th; his eight touchdowns rank 24th and; his 245 yards per game ranks 18th, as does his 91 quarterback rating. But if Hoyer can keep it together after Week 10, star wide receiver Josh Gordon will be back with the team and he'll finally have a dynamic weapon in the offense.
It's very possible NFL fans could see the long-awaited start of Johnny Football within the next month or so.
