Johnny Manziel made impressive performances on the playing field in their first two preseason games, but Cleveland Browns coach Mike Pettine is convinced that Brian Hoyer is the more deserving starter for the upcoming season.
Pettine announced on Wednesday that Hoyer will be the Browns' starting quarterback for the upcoming season, saying that the 28-year-old QB has been the clear favorite since their training camp started.
"He was the clear leader from the beginning," Pettine said of Hoyer via the Browns' official website. "We've maintained all along that if it was close, I would prefer to go with the more experienced player. Brian has done a great job in the meeting rooms and with his teammates on the practice field and in the locker room."
Hoyer started in Cleveland's first two preseason games and his performances were enough to convince Pettine. In their 24-23 loss to the Washington Redskins on Monday, Hoyer completed 2-of-6 passes for 16 yards.
There were doubts about Hoyer's capability to start for the Browns in the 2014 NFL season after sustaining an ACL injury just in his third game last season, but Pettine is confident that the veteran will manage to silence his doubters soon.
"I think Brian's been very poised," Pettine said. "I think he's handled the situation well. He's had a lot of things going on. I think it's especially good, as an offensive unit, to go out and play and gain cohesion and chemistry. That was one of the reasons."
On the other hand, Manziel, who made 7-of-16 passes for 65 yards against Washington, had decent performances this offseason, but reports indicated that his behavior caused him the starting job.
The former Texas A&M standout, the 22nd overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, was seen partying several times. And in their loss to Washington, Manziel was seen making a middle-finger gesture towards the Redskins' bench - an action that did not sit well with coach Pettine.
"That type of behavior is unacceptable," Pettine said. "He should know more than anyone that all eyes are on him."
The Browns will open their season against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 7, following their last two preseason games against the St. Louis Rams and Chicago Bears, respectively.
