But in a class with two fascinating quarterback studies Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston and a bevy of pass rushers and offensive linemen, there are still big holes with a so-so senior class and underclassmen questions. It appears there's no chance t
2014-12-04
Bleacher Report's Mike Freeman and ESPN.com's Jeremy Fowler each contacted Browns players after the decision was announced, and each reported the same thing: Most players thought sticking with Hoyer was the right decision, but not all of them did. One player told Fowler, referring to Manziel: "He came in, seven plays, scored a touchdown. I was all for it."
Manziel led a quick touchdown drive at Buffalo after coming in for the ineffective Hoyer in the fourth quarter.
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Tackle Joe Thomas, the team's offensive leader, echoed coach Mike Pettine's message that the decision to go with Hoyer gives the team the best chance to win. Thomas said had Pettine gone with Manziel, "the message is you're already playing for next year," according to NFL Network's Aditi Kinkhabwala.
Why did Pettine go with Hoyer? He said it was "difficult" after the way Manziel played against the Bills. The Browns are 7-5, in the playoff race, and the Browns know what they're getting with Hoyer. He was the safe choice.
You almost look at it like a risk-reward situation, Pettine said, according to the Browns' Web site. Theres a lot of unknown [with Manziel]. And weve known weve been very effectively offensively, at times. We are hopeful we can get back to those times when we were efficient moving the ball and eating up the clock.
Were going to get Brian playing better. He knows theres some things he needs to work on. Hes shown the ability to bounce back from things that have happened negatively in the past. Just look internally at the Atlanta game he made the mistakes he made and was able to bounce back. Were confident hell be able to do that this week.
What going with Hoyer does is set up a charged atmosphere for Sunday's home game against the Indianapolis Colts. Will Browns fans be patient if Hoyer starts slow, following his poor November? Unless Hoyer does well early, the thought that Manziel is available off the bench will be on everyone's mind: fans, coaches and players. And Hoyer too.
Hoyer said he was shocked to get benched last week, which is surprising considering his struggles and the presence of a first-round pick on the bench. Maybe last week's move and a couple days of controversy wakes him up.
No matter what decision Pettine made, he will get second-guessed if it doesn't work. The Browns have just one playoff berth since re-entering the NFL in 1999. They have a chance to get back with a strong finish, and for now, Hoyer is the man for the job. It wasn't unanimous from the players or fans, but it'll be the right move if it works.