At first glance, you'd think that Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel was ready to make a big impact in 2015. Despite an offseason stay in rehab, Manziel had just veteran journeyman Josh McCown in front of him on the depth chart. The path to the starting job seemed quite clear.
But, apparently, that's not the case.
ESPN's Tony Grossi reported that Manziel's time in Cleveland may be coming to a close.
"It is why Johnny Manziel - tortured enough by his own personal recovery from an unspecified substance abuse problem - is a fish out of water in his second season with the Browns," Grossi wrote.
Manziel was a flashy improviser in college who could make something out of nothing and possessed dual-threat ability. But the Browns don't want a freewheeling QB who doesn't adhere to their system. They want a competent and steady game manager.
"The Browns aren't trying to reinvent Manziel," Grossi explained. "They are, by all appearances, moving on."
McCown may have flamed out for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season, but he at least understands what the Browns expect of him and is less of a question mark than Johnny Football.
"My focus is just how good can I be at decision-making," McCown said. "Just holding myself to a high standard, where it never puts us in a bad situation and the defense is always playing with favorable fields. That's what I hope people see as we move into the season."
McCown said the label game manager doesn't bother him and added that his only concern is helping this team compete in the AFC North.
"Call it what you want," McCown said. "I just want to win football games."
Manziel has to be commended for addressing his own personal demons and entering rehab. Getting control of his off-field issues is the first step towards building something in the NFL. But right now it appears that his on-field ability just isn't enough for the Browns.
