Johnny Manziel: Hoyer proven he deserves to keep starting job; Can only help rookie to wait and watch

By Robert Christie - 16 Sep '14 13:49PM

Before the season started many Browns - and NFL - fans were waiting for Johnny Manziel to take the starting quarterback job from Brian Hoyer. He would eventually mess up and Johnny Football would step in and take the reins.

Unfortunately for Manziel fans, it might be time for you to accept you'll be waiting at least a season.

The Cleveland Browns, heading into Week 3 are 1-1 after facing the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1 and the New Orleans Saints in Week 2. Let's be honest NFL fans, if you were a betting man/women, you would have (and maybe some of you did) probably bet a healthy amount of money that the Browns would be 0-2.

In addition, Manziel's future looked pretty imminent when the Browns started their Week 1 matchup against the Steelers down 27-3.

However, ladies and gentlemen, we all know what happened next. Brian Hoyer, along with the Browns running game and their defense, came all the way back to tie.

In Week 2, the Browns were able to defeat the Saints 26-24. In two game this season Hoyer has 434 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, a completion percentage of 60.6 % and a passer rating of 87.4.

Also, he hasn't turned the ball over. Manziel played a few downs in Sunday's game against the Saints, throwing one pass that was dropped.

Now I won't go crazy and say the Browns have found their franchise quarterback and should forget about Manziel. In fact, we must put Hoyer's numbers into perspective. The Saints have given up 63 points and 892 total yards in their first two games. The Steelers have given up 53 points and 729 total yards in their first two games. Hoyer isn't exactly facing stout defenses.

Also, Hoyer does not have the talent and playmaking ability that Manziel possesses.

Nevertheless, we know what we're getting with the Browns. A run first team with an above average defense. (At least they're supposed to be. They've given up 900 total yards in their first two games.) Brian Hoyer's job is to game manage and not turn over the ball, two things he has done well. He's also proven he can lead his team back from huge deficits and orchestrate game winning drives as he did on Sunday against the Saints.

Hoyer may not be Manziel, but he's proven he can lead this team and it can only help Johnny Football to wait and watch.