Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel enters training camp after a rocky rookie season and an offseason stay in rehab. While the former Heisman winner still has his fans among Cleveland's faithful, it wasn't a big shock to see head coach Mike Pettine indicate that free agent addition Josh McCown was the starter at the moment.
No one can blame him for that. After all, Manziel threw for just 175 yards with zero touchdowns and two interceptions in five game appearances last year. But McCown, at 35-years-old and with his fifth team, is not a long-term answer. That is why the Browns should give Johnny Football a legitimate crack at the starting gig depending on his performance in training camp and the pre-season.
"Manziel, though, is a former first-round draft pick with the college achievements and skills that bring excitement," ESPN Browns reporter Pat McManamon wrote.
"If his personal situation is strong and he dedicates himself to being a professional, he brings possibility to a Browns season woefully short of it. His road will be difficult. There will be challenges and at the most basic level he has to prove he can play in the NFL - a great uncertainty given the way the Cincinnati Bengals treated him last season.
"But the possibility exists."
Manziel slogged through an unimpressive rookie campaign while failing to put off-field concerns about his maturity and work ethic to bet. Cleveland is hoping that his 10-week stay in rehab and strong support system have put him on the right track. But hope is different than belief. The Browns were not shy about their interest in Marcus Mariota in last month's NFL Draft and Manziel's future with the team is far from a given.
But at least he has the opportunity to prove himself. If the Browns like what they see early on then there is no reason not to give him a second chance on the field. At least that way Cleveland will know what they have at the QB position.
"The Browns have never said Manziel can't win the job," McManamon wrote. "That door is always is open.
"This is not a novel concept. The best guy plays. If McCown is the best guy or if he does anything at all in training camp, he should start. And the Browns should stick with him."
