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Manziel seems one misstep closer to Browns QB job
BEREA, Ohio — It was bound to happen. After one bad performance by Brian Hoyer, the Johnny Manziel quarterback watch is officially on at the Cleveland Browns headquarters.
Hoyer was just 16 of 41 for 215 yards with an interception and a strip sack in the 24-6 loss to Jacksonville last week. Head coach Mike Pettine said he toyed with the idea of inserting the rookie Manziel — not to replace Hoyer, but to provide a spark — then decided not to do it. He might not be as patient if Hoyer struggles against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday in Cleveland.
“Nothing has changed,” Pettine said. “If the situation this week maybe calls for (Manziel) to play some, then that will be the case. We’re not going to hit the panic button after one loss. We know that while the quarterback position needed to be more productive, it was more symptomatic of the entire offense. Brian is still firmly our starter. Like I said, each week we make the decision on if we want to include Johnny in the plan.”
The Browns have other issues they are dealing with, such as avoiding losing to winless teams on back to back weeks. The Jaguars were 0-6 before beating the Browns and now the Raiders are 0-6 as they head east.
The AFC North is a tight race from top to bottom. Had the Browns beaten the Jaguars they would have been 4-2 and a half game behind the division-leading Baltimore Ravens. As it is, they are 3-3 and last in the division. The Bengals are 3-2-1 and the Steelers are 4-3.
“There are 16 games in the NFL; you’re not going to be perfect in every one,” Hoyer said. “The biggest thing for us is we need to learn from our mistakes, bury it and move on.
“We get two games at home. We’re playing Oakland. Whether you win or lose, you’ve got to learn from the game that you just played and take what you’ve learned and apply it the next week.”
Pettine is deciding whether to stay with all three running backs — Ben Tate plus rookies Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West — week to week or maybe just go with two so they can get into a groove. No back was on the field for more than two consecutive series in Jacksonville. The three were held to 62 yards on 28 carries.
Pettine has to weigh making changes against the fact the Browns averaged 145 yards a game rushing before playing the Jaguars. However, the only game in which all three running backs played prior to Jacksonville was two weeks earlier in Tennessee. In that game Tate, West and Crowell combined for 173 yards on 36 carries.
“We’ll have discussions this week how to best rotate those guys,” Pettine said. “It’s a good problem to have, but you’re still dealing with the word ‘problem’ so it’s something we have to plan for.”
The Browns have scored a league-most eight rushing touchdowns. Crowell has scored four times and Tate plus West have scored two each on the ground.
NOTES: NT Ahtyba Rubin (ankle) was limited in practice Wednesday. … DB K’Waun Williams (concussion) has been cleared to practice. … LT Joe Thomas was rested in practice as he normally is on Wednesdays. … DE Billy Winn (quadriceps) did not practice, but rode a stationary bike. … DE Phil Taylor (knee) did not practice and has not been on the field since undergoing knee surgery on Oct. 6.
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