Rival Says Johnny Manziel Not a Lost Cause
Jun 16, 2015; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) throws a pass during minicamp at the Cleveland Browns practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
We all remember the disaster that was Johnny Manziel’s rookie year as an NFL quarterback. And Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Paul Guenther, who shut Manziel out 30-0 at home, thinks he can come around. Guenther told ESPN.com “Honestly, I think the kid needs more time. “Drew Brees did it. I know Drew is a little bit thicker than Johnny but about the same height.
“I don’t see any reason why he can’t do it up there. (Manziel) was such a high-profile guy out of college and everyone expected what he did at Texas A&M, but it’s a man’s game, it’s a lot different, and it takes time. You have to take your lumps a little bit.”
He was reported as looking like a different man by those around the team during OTAs and mincamp. He’s working harder and is reportedly starting to understand the game from the pocket. Manziel will have to continue in his progress of maturing and understanding the NFL game.
All opposing defenses had to do last year was seal off the edges and, keep him in the pocket. Guenther believes Manziel will improve if he masters the nuances of playing in the pocket. Manziel has showed maturity by getting his life together off the field, going to alcohol rehab and dispensing with the money sign.
Manziel will enter training camp entrenched as Cleveland’s No. 2 quarterback behind Josh McCown. So he will have a shot because McCowns has had one five-game stretch of good football in 12 years. So while Guenther believes Manziel can get it, Browns fans are left to wonder how long it will take.