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Jonathan Paul Manziel

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  • I like that some people are accepting Manziel might not have been as bad as they original thought, or at least willing to give him a chance. I'm hopeful from what I've seen so far this offseason up to now.

    For the most part he gets the ball out quickly, and has the arm... I have no concerns about that.

    Ball security, pocket awareness, and knowing when to live to fight another day are big steps he needs to take.

    That isn't to say he doesn't throw the ball from the pocket effectively, because he did that against the Jets. His 3-step drop and pop was really good (TD to Benjamin was out quick, and thrown well before Benjamin burnt Cromartie), with exception to the INT that he missed/Marcus Williams boxed Hartline out on. I wrote something about his Week 1 game on my site, and it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows.

    Minimizing turnovers against Dick LeBeau's protege Titans D will be a tall task. If he plays, we'll see how he handles it.

  • I think any Wilson comparison was a poor one for Johnny coming out of college. Wilson was in a pro system in college and, as some have said, was very conservative.

    I'm not sure if his best option was to try to become Wilson, or to play in a wide open offense like Chip Kelly's, similar to the ones he always has. But in our offense, he either has to do the former (though a different degree of success would be tolerable), or he's going to fail. Simple as that, I think.

  • Shocker here we are page 4(nailed it) of 72. Yes Drew Brees and R. Wilson have proven one thing that JM can't prove yet but don't give up hope with him now serious about NFL football. It's called passing windows between the lineman that a short QB must learn to get threw the window with accuracy on the pass to his receiver to make a short QB a good Pocket passer in this league. Watch Brees. see ya next chapter. It's not easy and time will tell..

  • Johnny Manziel's ceiling is Doug Flutie

  • Shocker here we are page 4(nailed it) of 72. Yes Drew Brees and R. Wilson have proven one thing that JM can't prove yet but don't give up hope with him now serious about NFL football. It's called passing windows between the lineman that a short QB must learn to get threw the window with accuracy on the pass to his receiver to make a short QB a good Pocket passer in this league. Watch Brees. see ya next chapter. It's not easy and time will tell..

    @gumby73 said:

    Shocker here we are page 4(nailed it) of 72. Yes Drew Brees and R. Wilson have proven one thing that JM can't prove yet but don't give up hope with him now serious about NFL football. It's called passing windows between the lineman that a short QB must learn to get threw the window with accuracy on the pass to his receiver to make a short QB a good Pocket passer in this league. Watch Brees. see ya next chapter. It's not easy and time will tell..

    Perhaps its also worth noting that another reason Breesy and Wilson can play from the pocket and utilize these windows is that they have a nice, high release. Very prototypical of an NFL QB. Johnny's is a 3/4 and that makes a TON of difference.

  • Manziel needs time to learn and stay patient. The college game is churning out these mobile quarterbacks and most of them will never succeed. It's a win now business. RG3 is perfect example, can't stay healthy. Mariota may be an exception. He looked poised and didn't take off running at the first sign of pressure. That's what Manziel has to do. Study film and learn.

    If Manziel starts the rest of the season and stays healthy he has a chance. Albeit slim. I had more hopes for him and the Browns after the draft when everyone was talking about our OLINE.

    If anything, I was hoping the Browns would suddenly morph into the Seahawks with defense and run game.

    Old Browns Fan brings up a point that has nagged many of us. What was their plan for Manziel? A barely 6ft QB who's mobile and no big wide receiver was drafted. Mike Evans was right there if they were hell bent on JFF.

    I am getting old too and have seen decades of this head scratching franchise.

    Remember, I was a kid when they traded Paul Warfield, benched Brian Sipe for Paul McDonald, drafted Mike Junkin. After 50 years it's hard to be an eternal optimist yet I still root root for the Browns.

  • Manziel needs time to learn and stay patient. The college game is churning out these mobile quarterbacks and most of them will never succeed. It's a win now business. RG3 is perfect example, can't stay healthy. Mariota may be an exception. He looked poised and didn't take off running at the first sign of pressure. That's what Manziel has to do. Study film and learn.

    If Manziel starts the rest of the season and stays healthy he has a chance. Albeit slim. I had more hopes for him and the Browns after the draft when everyone was talking about our OLINE.

    If anything, I was hoping the Browns would suddenly morph into the Seahawks with defense and run game.

    Old Browns Fan brings up a point that has nagged many of us. What was their plan for Manziel? A barely 6ft QB who's mobile and no big wide receiver was drafted. Mike Evans was right there if they were hell bent on JFF.

    I am getting old too and have seen decades of this head scratching franchise.

    Remember, I was a kid when they traded Paul Warfield, benched Brian Sipe for Paul McDonald, drafted Mike Junkin. After 50 years it's hard to be an eternal optimist yet I still root root for the Browns.

    @opal312 said:

    Manziel needs time to learn and stay patient. The college game is churning out these mobile quarterbacks and most of them will never succeed. It's a win now business. RG3 is perfect example, can't stay healthy. Mariota may be an exception. He looked poised and didn't take off running at the first sign of pressure. That's what Manziel has to do. Study film and learn.

    If Manziel starts the rest of the season and stays healthy he has a chance. Albeit slim. I had more hopes for him and the Browns after the draft when everyone was talking about our OLINE.

    If anything, I was hoping the Browns would suddenly morph into the Seahawks with defense and run game.

    Old Browns Fan brings up a point that has nagged many of us. What was their plan for Manziel? A barely 6ft QB who's mobile and no big wide receiver was drafted. Mike Evans was right there if they were hell bent on JFF.

    I am getting old too and have seen decades of this head scratching franchise.

    Remember, I was a kid when they traded Paul Warfield, benched Brian Sipe for Paul McDonald, drafted Mike Junkin. After 50 years it's hard to be an eternal optimist yet I still root root for the Browns.

    yeah so you're my age.

    thing with any rookie QB or any rookie period in this day and age is people don't have patience. hell, same with coaches.

    we want andrew luck, matt ryan and eli. the quintessential prototypical NFL QB without any excuses of 'has to sit and learn'.

    i think manziel is going in the right direction. just don't want to be saying the same thing 3 years from now.

  • Hey guys havent posten in a while.

    As far as Jonny is concerned I think he looked improved. He needs some time for the nfl game to slow down for him still, I think he can get there. Needs to work on protecting the ball, clearly he knows that. Id say:

    Arm-is making all the throws. Check.

    Prep- Pettine said he did a good job lining people up, understanding the play. Check.

    Ball security- Big issue. Needs overhaul on how to carry, he carried it pretty loose in college too but got hit with poorer technique. Needs improvement.

    Decision making- Much improved from last year to be honest. Didnt get talked about too much. Maybe on par for how many starts he has, could be improved a bit. Check (good enough).

    Something that has really fell through the cracks is the jets matchup and game plan against us. First of all, the way they are set up defensively blow us up. They have strong cover corners and a great D line. What did they do? Let their corners play 1v1 against our WR, who are not huge playmakers, and load the box. They had the box stacked when we tried to run and had pressure on Jonny when we tried to throw. With that gameplan we were going to be forced into our Wr or tight ends getting open in 1v1 situations. Thas not the strength of the browns right now and they had the personell to put us in that situatiom. I suspect that our line will look much better and our run game will look much improved against the Titans. Subsequently, Jonny and the passing game might have managable 3rd downs and we can move the ball more efficiently.

    Overall, id like to at least see what the guy has. I dont mind differing opinions, but please can your opinions be valid, based on whats happening. Dont post 1000 posts about how Jonny has no arm strength or looks to run all the time (not so much in this thread but "hard to stay positive" thread and past threads) .... based on he can run or hes a smaller qb. Hes got great arm stregth for his size and hes more than average in Nfl terms. He can run when a play collapses, thats a strength. Just tell me you dont want him to play because he doesnt go through his entire progression or doesnt look poised enough. Anything that you see on the field! Not basis-less bullshit you made up in your head. Thats my 2 cents.

    Also, Lets go Browns!

  • @gumby73 said:

    Shocker here we are page 4(nailed it) of 72. Yes Drew Brees and R. Wilson have proven one thing that JM can't prove yet but don't give up hope with him now serious about NFL football. It's called passing windows between the lineman that a short QB must learn to get threw the window with accuracy on the pass to his receiver to make a short QB a good Pocket passer in this league. Watch Brees. see ya next chapter. It's not easy and time will tell..

    Perhaps its also worth noting that another reason Breesy and Wilson can play from the pocket and utilize these windows is that they have a nice, high release. Very prototypical of an NFL QB. Johnny's is a 3/4 and that makes a TON of difference.

    @tiamat63 said:

    Perhaps its also worth noting that another reason Breesy and Wilson can play from the pocket and utilize these windows is that they have a nice, high release. Very prototypical of an NFL QB. Johnny's is a 3/4 and that makes a TON of difference.

    In batted balls? Yes... In vision? No...

    @c-town-s-soldier said:

    Hey guys havent posten in a while.

    Yeah... What's up with that?

    I dunno, guys... watching the tape and I'm getting depressed.

    About the line...

    About our backs...

    Even about our lil' QB... not seeing the progress I thought I saw in the game. Here are two plays...

    The TD Pass...

    I originally thought it was a great read of a WR even with a DB ("If you're even, you're open") and a better throw to the outside that redirected a WR who was drifting towards the single-high Safety closing from the middle.

    After further review I see a "WTF-an-INT-is-as-good-as-a-punt" throw on 3rd and 19. Crowmartie was tight to the line, but rather than press he almost immediately turned and ran two-yards in front of Benji matching him stride for stride for 10 yards. That's where he was as JM began his throw.

    Crom was actually looking at JM as the throw began and slowed. Why? Don't know for sure... playing for the back shoulder? Expecting inside help? Forgot the down and distance? All? Regardless JM's shoulder angle said anything but "here come a hard low throw". What I do know is that there was no way to anticipate Crom slowing.

    When Crom slowed, Benji broke to the inside making the outside the wrong side. Doesn't make it a bad play... it was 3rd and 19 after all... just does not make it the great play that I thought I saw originally.

    The missed, 2Q, TD passes... yes, passes...

    We all know about missing Hawk wide to the left after being flushed left out of the pocket. That was on 2nd and goal from the 5. As executed the pass was wide left and drew Hawk OB. It did not need to be quite so wide, but it did get easier the wider it was thrown so the conservatism is understandable and appreciated.

    What bothered me more upon review is that the pass was thrown from 10-yds behind the line. The more JM presses the line, putting the lone DB between he and Hawk in a run-pass quandary, the easier the pass becomes. This would seem to be the type of opportunity JFF would immediately recognize and grasp.

    Next came a delay of game... a time out might have been advisable, but set that aside for now.

    On third and goal from the 10 JM missed a fade set up with Benji on Buster. The throw to the back pylon was there and JM did not pull the trigger. Positives of the play was JM had stared the Safety into being a statue in the middle prior to coming off him, and JM was stepping up and left away from minor, but real, pressure. As he stepped up Benji was one step from the CB, who was still squatted facing JM.

    There was a sight/throwing lane and JM moved into it so I've no question the read could have been made. It was literally a split-second read, but one a good NFL QB must make. Especially since a throw to the pylon gave only a Benji a chance to catch the ball.JM's just not up to that speed. Instead JM bailed with zero chance to score and gained 3 yards.

    JM made other good throws and varied throws. From a sweet, Q2 swing pass to Benji on Flip's best designed play of the game to a 3rd and 8, rifle shot to Hart in Q3 through a 5-yd wide throwing lane. Both were clearly first reads.

    Still have a qtr-and-a-half to go...

  • We all know there are many TV analysts that just hate Johnny - some for good reason, others, like dickbag Merrill Hoge, for who-knows-why.

    Ron Jawarski has always been pretty critical. This morning on Mike n Mike, he said he liked what he saw, for the most part, from Johnny. This gave me some hope, and remembering it is his 4th NFL game, is refreshing to hear from someone who really knows the position.

    If he just continues to improve, and gets rid of the huge mistake plays, there is hope.

  • We all know there are many TV analysts that just hate Johnny - some for good reason, others, like dickbag Merrill Hoge, for who-knows-why.

    Ron Jawarski has always been pretty critical. This morning on Mike n Mike, he said he liked what he saw, for the most part, from Johnny. This gave me some hope, and remembering it is his 4th NFL game, is refreshing to hear from someone who really knows the position.

    If he just continues to improve, and gets rid of the huge mistake plays, there is hope.

    @aggie-brown-fan said:

    We all know there are many TV analysts that just hate Johnny - some for good reason, others, like dickbag Merrill Hoge, for who-knows-why.

    Ron Jawarski has always been pretty critical. This morning on Mike n Mike, he said he liked what he saw, for the most part, from Johnny. This gave me some hope, and remembering it is his 4th NFL game, is refreshing to hear from someone who really knows the position.

    If he just continues to improve, and gets rid of the huge mistake plays, there is hope.

    Yes, you keep believing that.

  • @aggie-brown-fan said:

    We all know there are many TV analysts that just hate Johnny - some for good reason, others, like dickbag Merrill Hoge, for who-knows-why.

    Ron Jawarski has always been pretty critical. This morning on Mike n Mike, he said he liked what he saw, for the most part, from Johnny. This gave me some hope, and remembering it is his 4th NFL game, is refreshing to hear from someone who really knows the position.

    If he just continues to improve, and gets rid of the huge mistake plays, there is hope.

    Yes, you keep believing that.

    @dawg2fan said:

    Yes, you keep believing that.

    Umm, it's not just me. That's the point.

    Do you think Jawarski would say he was encouraged by some of the things Johnny did if there were no hope at all? No, he would say there's no hope at all.

    Keep being an internet cool guy, though, with your one line sarcasms that add nothing to the discussion.

  • @tiamat63 said:

    Perhaps its also worth noting that another reason Breesy and Wilson can play from the pocket and utilize these windows is that they have a nice, high release. Very prototypical of an NFL QB. Johnny's is a 3/4 and that makes a TON of difference.

    In batted balls? Yes... In vision? No...

    @c-town-s-soldier said:

    Hey guys havent posten in a while.

    Yeah... What's up with that?

    I dunno, guys... watching the tape and I'm getting depressed.

    About the line...

    About our backs...

    Even about our lil' QB... not seeing the progress I thought I saw in the game. Here are two plays...

    The TD Pass...

    I originally thought it was a great read of a WR even with a DB ("If you're even, you're open") and a better throw to the outside that redirected a WR who was drifting towards the single-high Safety closing from the middle.

    After further review I see a "WTF-an-INT-is-as-good-as-a-punt" throw on 3rd and 19. Crowmartie was tight to the line, but rather than press he almost immediately turned and ran two-yards in front of Benji matching him stride for stride for 10 yards. That's where he was as JM began his throw.

    Crom was actually looking at JM as the throw began and slowed. Why? Don't know for sure... playing for the back shoulder? Expecting inside help? Forgot the down and distance? All? Regardless JM's shoulder angle said anything but "here come a hard low throw". What I do know is that there was no way to anticipate Crom slowing.

    When Crom slowed, Benji broke to the inside making the outside the wrong side. Doesn't make it a bad play... it was 3rd and 19 after all... just does not make it the great play that I thought I saw originally.

    The missed, 2Q, TD passes... yes, passes...

    We all know about missing Hawk wide to the left after being flushed left out of the pocket. That was on 2nd and goal from the 5. As executed the pass was wide left and drew Hawk OB. It did not need to be quite so wide, but it did get easier the wider it was thrown so the conservatism is understandable and appreciated.

    What bothered me more upon review is that the pass was thrown from 10-yds behind the line. The more JM presses the line, putting the lone DB between he and Hawk in a run-pass quandary, the easier the pass becomes. This would seem to be the type of opportunity JFF would immediately recognize and grasp.

    Next came a delay of game... a time out might have been advisable, but set that aside for now.

    On third and goal from the 10 JM missed a fade set up with Benji on Buster. The throw to the back pylon was there and JM did not pull the trigger. Positives of the play was JM had stared the Safety into being a statue in the middle prior to coming off him, and JM was stepping up and left away from minor, but real, pressure. As he stepped up Benji was one step from the CB, who was still squatted facing JM.

    There was a sight/throwing lane and JM moved into it so I've no question the read could have been made. It was literally a split-second read, but one a good NFL QB must make. Especially since a throw to the pylon gave only a Benji a chance to catch the ball.JM's just not up to that speed. Instead JM bailed with zero chance to score and gained 3 yards.

    JM made other good throws and varied throws. From a sweet, Q2 swing pass to Benji on Flip's best designed play of the game to a 3rd and 8, rifle shot to Hart in Q3 through a 5-yd wide throwing lane. Both were clearly first reads.

    Still have a qtr-and-a-half to go...

    @tour2ma said:

    The TD Pass...

    I originally thought it was a great read of a WR even with a DB ("If you're even, you're open") and a better throw to the outside that redirected a WR who was drifting towards the single-high Safety closing from the middle.

    After further review I see a "WTF-an-INT-is-as-good-as-a-punt" throw on 3rd and 19. Crowmartie was tight to the line, but rather than press he almost immediately turned and ran two-yards in front of Benji matching him stride for stride for 10 yards. That's where he was as JM began his throw.

    Crom was actually looking at JM as the throw began and slowed. Why? Don't know for sure... playing for the back shoulder? Expecting inside help? Forgot the down and distance? All? Regardless JM's shoulder angle said anything but "here come a hard low throw". What I do know is that there was no way to anticipate Crom slowing.

    When Crom slowed, Benji broke to the inside making the outside the wrong side. Doesn't make it a bad play... it was 3rd and 19 after all... just does not make it the great play that I thought I saw originally.

    It's incredible how many different ways one play can be looked at, depending on agenda.

    Bill "qb guru" O'Brien just said starting Hoyer was mistake, FYI.

  • Where was that? I saw Hoyer was expected to start.

  • Where was that? I saw Hoyer was expected to start.

    @wargograw said:

    Where was that? I saw Hoyer was expected to start.

    Google "Brian Hoyer".

    Zombo

  • @dawg2fan said:

    Yes, you keep believing that.

    Umm, it's not just me. That's the point.

    Do you think Jawarski would say he was encouraged by some of the things Johnny did if there were no hope at all? No, he would say there's no hope at all.

    Keep being an internet cool guy, though, with your one line sarcasms that add nothing to the discussion.

    @aggie-brown-fan said:

    Umm, it's not just me. That's the point.

    Do you think Jawarski would say he was encouraged by some of the things Johnny did if there were no hope at all? No, he would say there's no hope at all.

    Yes, I do. He is not the most reliable guy out there and why should i take his advice.

  • @aggie-brown-fan said:

    Umm, it's not just me. That's the point.

    Do you think Jawarski would say he was encouraged by some of the things Johnny did if there were no hope at all? No, he would say there's no hope at all.

    Yes, I do. He is not the most reliable guy out there and why should i take his advice.

    @dawg2fan said:

    Yes, I do. He is not the most reliable guy out there and why should i take his advice.

    This is where I love to remind folks that Jaws was the same dude who said Brandon Weeden would be a "rock solid starter" to back you up.

    http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000215841/article/brandon-weeden-will-be-rocksolid-ron-jaworski-says

  • @dawg2fan said:

    Yes, I do. He is not the most reliable guy out there and why should i take his advice.

    This is where I love to remind folks that Jaws was the same dude who said Brandon Weeden would be a "rock solid starter" to back you up.

    http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000215841/article/brandon-weeden-will-be-rocksolid-ron-jaworski-says

    @jrb12711 said:

    This is where I love to remind folks that Jaws was the same dude who said Brandon Weeden would be a "rock solid starter" to back you up.

    http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000215841/article/brandon-weeden-will-be-rocksolid-ron-jaworski-says

    He is just another one of those ESPN guys that loves to hear himself talk. Frankly, I don't care much for any of them.

  • @tiamat63 said:

    Perhaps its also worth noting that another reason Breesy and Wilson can play from the pocket and utilize these windows is that they have a nice, high release. Very prototypical of an NFL QB. Johnny's is a 3/4 and that makes a TON of difference.

    In batted balls? Yes... In vision? No...

    @c-town-s-soldier said:

    Hey guys havent posten in a while.

    Yeah... What's up with that?

    I dunno, guys... watching the tape and I'm getting depressed.

    About the line...

    About our backs...

    Even about our lil' QB... not seeing the progress I thought I saw in the game. Here are two plays...

    The TD Pass...

    I originally thought it was a great read of a WR even with a DB ("If you're even, you're open") and a better throw to the outside that redirected a WR who was drifting towards the single-high Safety closing from the middle.

    After further review I see a "WTF-an-INT-is-as-good-as-a-punt" throw on 3rd and 19. Crowmartie was tight to the line, but rather than press he almost immediately turned and ran two-yards in front of Benji matching him stride for stride for 10 yards. That's where he was as JM began his throw.

    Crom was actually looking at JM as the throw began and slowed. Why? Don't know for sure... playing for the back shoulder? Expecting inside help? Forgot the down and distance? All? Regardless JM's shoulder angle said anything but "here come a hard low throw". What I do know is that there was no way to anticipate Crom slowing.

    When Crom slowed, Benji broke to the inside making the outside the wrong side. Doesn't make it a bad play... it was 3rd and 19 after all... just does not make it the great play that I thought I saw originally.

    The missed, 2Q, TD passes... yes, passes...

    We all know about missing Hawk wide to the left after being flushed left out of the pocket. That was on 2nd and goal from the 5. As executed the pass was wide left and drew Hawk OB. It did not need to be quite so wide, but it did get easier the wider it was thrown so the conservatism is understandable and appreciated.

    What bothered me more upon review is that the pass was thrown from 10-yds behind the line. The more JM presses the line, putting the lone DB between he and Hawk in a run-pass quandary, the easier the pass becomes. This would seem to be the type of opportunity JFF would immediately recognize and grasp.

    Next came a delay of game... a time out might have been advisable, but set that aside for now.

    On third and goal from the 10 JM missed a fade set up with Benji on Buster. The throw to the back pylon was there and JM did not pull the trigger. Positives of the play was JM had stared the Safety into being a statue in the middle prior to coming off him, and JM was stepping up and left away from minor, but real, pressure. As he stepped up Benji was one step from the CB, who was still squatted facing JM.

    There was a sight/throwing lane and JM moved into it so I've no question the read could have been made. It was literally a split-second read, but one a good NFL QB must make. Especially since a throw to the pylon gave only a Benji a chance to catch the ball.JM's just not up to that speed. Instead JM bailed with zero chance to score and gained 3 yards.

    JM made other good throws and varied throws. From a sweet, Q2 swing pass to Benji on Flip's best designed play of the game to a 3rd and 8, rifle shot to Hart in Q3 through a 5-yd wide throwing lane. Both were clearly first reads.

    Still have a qtr-and-a-half to go...

    @tour2ma said:

    Yeah... What's up with that?

    Exited the miltary after 7 years. Moved to NY. Finishing up a bachelors. Things happnin. Ill be around to watch the game this weekend. You cant find it at the bars out here. Giants or GTFO... lol

  • @nickers said:

    Larry.. He struggles to see over his line.. I'm just not buying it with this kid..He's not even calculating like a Drew Brees or Aaron Rodgers (players with a chess board mentality).. I'm just not seeing it from him.

    LOL! And how long did Brees and Rodgers sit on the bench before they became starters? You do know Brees is now 36 years old, right? And why does the shorter Brees see over the lines better than the 1 inch taller JM? Sorry, not buying any of your logic on JM. He's a rookie with last year as given trash. You expect a 28-30 year old player out of a 22 year old. Not gonna happen overnight. Growing pains for a fan base extremely short on patience (understandably so). But JM is NOT responsible for all that has happened since the Browns came back home. He IS responsible for last year and all indications are he is not only owning up to it, but trying his best to become an asset to Cleveland. Start trying to find what he does right and how he improves from week to week.

    There is a reason the term Monday morning quarterbacking came into being.

    @texasag1969 said:

    LOL! And how long did Brees and Rodgers sit on the bench before they became starters?

    There is a reason the term Monday morning quarterbacking came into being.

    Brees didn't sit the bench long in San Diego, was all-pro by his third year and it was a shoulder injury that lead to him being traded to N.O.

    Aaron Rodgers sat behind a Hall of Famer before he started. There's a difference between sitting behind Brett Favre vs sitting behind Hoyer and "Helicopter" McCown.