The quarterback controversy in Cleveland was as easy to see coming as a telegraphed blitz. The only way to stop it was for Brian Hoyer to play badly, really badly, and for Johnny Manziel to actually play well in his place. Wasn’t going to happen because Hoyer’s very good and Manziel is reportedly not yet up to NFL speed. So the Browns are 3-2, Hoyer has a 99.5 passer rating and guess what? People just started remembering Hoyer’s going to be a free agent after the season. Browns fans aren’t in such a hurry to bring in Johnny Football now–the 29-year-old Hoyer looks composed and comfortable. You know what he really looks like? A starter. Feels like one too–confidence growing week to week. It’ll be fun to watch, because the Browns will also want to test Manziel’s potential in game situations, if only to keep his trade value high.
Hoyer told Tony Grossi at ESPNCleveland: “I don’t think I need to say more than I’m from Cleveland and this is where I want to be, but I also am a competitor, so I want to be somewhere where I’m playing.” By the way, just as a sidenote, how much better did working for ESPNCleveland get recently!?! (LeBron, Love, Manziel, Hoyer…)
