Both Brian Hoyer and Johnny Manziel have struggled mightily during the first two preseason games of the summer for the Browns. So the thought was that Cleveland might let both of them go out and get reps with the first team during the Browns' third preseason game before naming a starter for Week 1 of the season. But now, seemingly out of nowhere, the Browns have named their starting quarterback for the start of the 2014-15 NFL season. And that starter will be...not Johnny Manziel.
Surprised? Don't be. While Hoyer hasn't exactly blown us away with his preseason play so far, he knows the Browns offense better than Johnny Football and, right now, he gives the Browns a slightly better chance to win at the beginning of the season. He also allows the Browns to develop Manziel slowly and to ease him into the Browns' lineup.
Does this mean we won't see Manziel play at all this season? Doubtful. If the Browns struggle with Hoyer lining up under center or Hoyer himself struggles during the first few weeks of the season, Manziel could get the starting nod sooner than later. But for now, Hoyer is the Browns' man. So it doesn't look like Steelers fans will get to use these foam "fingers" in Week 1 as planned. Sorry, guys!
[via @Browns]
