Brian Hoyer wins Starting Job over Johnny Manziel

Aug 18, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer (6) warms up before the game against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

After spending the preseason deciding who their starting quarterback would be, the Browns have named Brian Hoyer their opening day starter.  Neither Hoyer nor Manziel have had particularly stellar preseasons thus far, but the Browns may continue to be irked by Johnny Manziel’s apparent lack of maturity; his latest incident being his obscene gesture towards the Redskins bench during their preseason matchup.

Although Manziel is clearly the more talented and sexy option between the two, the Browns may be seeking more leadership while the organization implements the many changes it’s going through; the Browns have a new head coach while both coordinators are new also.  Browns owner Jimmy Haslam was been bothered by Manziel’s behavior since his draft day selection, so this latest incident couldn’t have helped resolve those feelings.

Hoyer showed some promise last year after getting his first real opportunity to start since joining the NFL.  Hoyer led the team to two impressive wins–one versus the Bengals–but then suffered a torn ACL and was promptly placed on I.R.   Hoyer will get his shot to produce his magic once more while Manziel spends some time learning via the clipboard.  The move may be best for the young Manziel as several quarterbacks in past years have benefitted from initial backup status.  Hopefully Manziel has this type of foresight and doesn’t let his ego get in the way.

With regards to the Bengals, they won’t face the Browns until November, so there’s still a possibility that Manziel claims the job by then if Hoyer struggles.  The Bengals and Browns square off on Thursday, November 6th at Paul Brown Stadium.  Either way this team will be looking to avenge last year’s loss, which may have been the most convincing defeat of the year. So whether it’s beating Hoyer, who led the Browns to the win last year, or setting the tone for Manziel’s career when facing the Bengals, either way winning this divisional game will be of special importance to the Bengals.