Jonathan Paul Manziel
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CINCINNATI -- The Cleveland Browns do not want to harness Johnny Manziel into being a pure pocket passer.
Coach Mike Pettine said his halftime remark Thursday night that Manziel needed to "settle down" came from the fact that Manziel missed some reads in the first half.
"By no means was that a comment designed that we wanted him to stay in the pocket," Pettine said the day after the Browns' 31-10 loss to the Bengals. "But when there's a play to be made early, let's make them."
Pettine's "settle down" remark came on NFL Network as he left the field at halftime with the Browns trailing 14-10. Manziel had just guided a 92-yard touchdown drive, and the Browns were in the game. Manziel did little scrambling the second half, and NFL Network analyst Marshall Faulk implied on the postgame show that Pettine was restraining Manziel.
Pettine seemed happy to be able to explain that was not the case. He said he was simply referring to some first-half check downs and shorter throws that might not have made a highlight reel but might have gotten first downs or kept drives alive -- and put Manziel at less risk.
"I think we all agree here that you can't put your quarterback on the run all the time," Pettine said.
The Browns spent a lot of time in the offseason and training camp trying to make Manziel a better pocket passer. Manziel responded and has earned praise from teammates and coaches for his efforts.
But the conundrum with his skills is similar to when he was drafted: He is effective when he improvises, but NFL offenses are structured, and the risk of injury increases with improvisation. The challenge becomes managing his ability to move with the need to protect his long-term health, while also operating the offense as it's been practiced for months.
"[Pocket passing] is an area of his game we want to develop," Pettine said, "and have it be complemented by his ability outside the pocket."
Manziel's final numbers came to 15-for-33 for 168 yards with one TD and no interceptions. His rating: 71.3.
Manziel was not helped by his receivers, whom Pettine said as a group did not play well. Taylor Gabriel did not make a catch on a potential touchdown early then had three drops later. Gary Barnidge slipped coming out of a break on one throw. Isaiah Crowell slipped running a screen pass that had potential for big yardage.
But Pettine added that Manziel tried to do too much in the second half, which implies he pressed after the first couple of possessions did not go well. His numbers in the second half plummeted to 4-for-15 for 40 yards.
"I thought in the second half they did a good job of taking away the first read initially," Pettine said. "I thought they did a better job of kind of staying in rush lanes and bottling him up."
Pettine added that successful NFL quarterbacks "have to operate from the pocket." If Manziel does that to go along with his running, "then you get the best of both worlds."
As for who starts against Pittsburgh on Nov. 15 -- Manziel or Josh McCown -- Pettine said he will meet with offensive coordinator John DeFilippo next week to make that decision.
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A TD is a TD no matter how you get it. I'd love to have a more "traditional" QB but I would never try to "calm down" Manziel... In practice, you point out the mistakes and coach him to "calm down," but not when he's getting it done on gameday. A good coach would adjust HIS thinking to do whatever he needs to keep his guy rolling...
Bullshit... it's the difference between pro ball and playground ball. Plus neither of us know how many other plays were missed and not realized on the run.
If you want to stick to a coaching point about keeping your QB "pumped up" that's one thing, but "all's well that ends well"??? That ain't going to fly.
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Why the fuck was Manziel drafted here if they're trying to completely change his game?
Why the fuck was Manziel drafted here if they're trying to completely change his game?
Exactly
Zombo said:
Manziel blows.
Farmer blows.
Hopefully 9-7 gets us in the dance.
Z
You're high if you think the Browns have 7 more wins in them this year
Johnny's a smart kid. He needs to watch game films of his OWN mistakes. My bet is he'll learn more from watching his own shortcomings last night than watching McCown or another QB's play. The more the kid plays, the more he'll learn. Call it OJT. Does that mean he'll "get it"? We'll never know unless he learns first hand, ON the field.I would like to think that either our keeping or parting company with Johnny would be based more on performance, or lack of same.
Pettine, just ONCE, needs to include in his post game comments that the DEFENSE needs to be addressed, & then ADDRESS it! Regardless what any of us may think about not blowing things up, he is slowly burying himself. His post game demeanor alone doesn't speak well for him, his confidence, or his determination.
Mike
^ defensive guru Mike needs to address in a big way- what's wrong with his highly paid defense-it sucks swampwater
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Dammit Tour, mathematically eliminated, or for all practical intents and purposes eliminated? 7-0 to have a remote prayer- really? With the Jets, Raiders, and Chargers all having wild card tiebreakers on us? That they would even entertain trading Joe Thomas tells me all I need to know about what Farmer is thinking.
If Pettine thinks (possibly) winning two more games with McCown is going to save his job- it won't. He's responsible for that disaster of a defense I'm seeing week after week.
Easy, h... I was asked and I answered.
I doubt my opinion is going to be much a factor... even if it should be...
Easy, h... I was asked and I answered.
I doubt my opinion is going to be much a factor... even if it should be...
Tour- here's my take- Pettine may be thinking "mathematical" elimination. There's a "mathematical" possibility the earth could get hit by an asteroid before the year is over. I'm putting my money on the asteroid.
Got a feeling butthead Mike is going to trot out Josh against the Squealers- because "he gives us the best chance to win". It's a new mantra- and it's wearing pretty thin.
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Easy, h... I was asked and I answered.
I doubt my opinion is going to be much a factor... even if it should be...
Tour- here's my take- Pettine may be thinking "mathematical" elimination. There's a "mathematical" possibility the earth could get hit by an asteroid before the year is over. I'm putting my money on the asteroid.
Got a feeling butthead Mike is going to trot out Josh against the Squealers- because "he gives us the best chance to win". It's a new mantra- and it's wearing pretty thin.
Tour- here's my take- Pettine may be thinking "mathematical" elimination. There's a "mathematical" possibility the earth could get hit by an asteroid before the year is over. I'm putting my money on the asteroid.
Got a feeling butthead Mike is going to trot out Josh against the Squealers- because "he gives us the best chance to win". It's a new mantra- and it's wearing pretty thin.
I'm actually hoping McCown is ready for Pittsburgh. I'm so sick and tired of "gotta see what the kid has" bullshit. We seen what he has. He's o e of the leagues better backups by what I've witnessed so far. And that's really good to see seeing that's his job this year. He improved 10 points on cinncy from last year and had 5 first downs by the middle of the second quarter. And cinncy is a much better team. It's not hisfault the rest of the team ddidn't help him out. I.e. <40 yrds rushing from the rbs for the 3 rd game this season. And absolutely no halftime adjustment or answers, again from the coaching staff.
Hard to see it from this year but I truly believe this group is trying to Change the mindset of the organization. This team needs victories. Plain and simple. McCown is the 5 million dollar man and he's been playing like it. I actually believe if we win any more games this year it's going to be because of the qb carrying them to victory. And that's a tough task and I think McCown is much better suited for it. But I trust that John M can come in and play clean enough to hope for some help else where in backup situations. Progression is everything in the nfl and atough I've been a hater of JM as of late I can not deny he's made significant progress. But like I said even at the risk of draft position this team needs victories.
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Rich Eisen: So, was he improved as a quarterback from the last time you saw him?
Dre Kirkpatrick: I feel like he improved but I feel like they (the Browns' staff) don't let him be Johnny, you know? I feel like they want him to be a pocket quarterback, which I don't think Johnny's a pocket quarterback. He made a completion on me, I think it was like the first play of the game on a slant. I didn't even see him, I just saw the ball. I just feel like, just let him be Johnny and he'll be alright. But, I'm just happy we got the win last night and he wasn't Johnny.
Interesting take from the Bengals CB. Thoughts? I agree with him myself. Johnny needs to mature off the field no doubt, but I also think he showed some flashes on the field.
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Who cares
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Rich Eisen: So, was he improved as a quarterback from the last time you saw him?
Dre Kirkpatrick: I feel like he improved but I feel like they (the Browns' staff) don't let him be Johnny, you know? I feel like they want him to be a pocket quarterback, which I don't think Johnny's a pocket quarterback. He made a completion on me, I think it was like the first play of the game on a slant. I didn't even see him, I just saw the ball. I just feel like, just let him be Johnny and he'll be alright. But, I'm just happy we got the win last night and he wasn't Johnny.
Interesting take from the Bengals CB. Thoughts? I agree with him myself. Johnny needs to mature off the field no doubt, but I also think he showed some flashes on the field.
Rich Eisen: So, was he improved as a quarterback from the last time you saw him?
Dre Kirkpatrick: I feel like he improved but I feel like they (the Browns' staff) don't let him be Johnny, you know? I feel like they want him to be a pocket quarterback, which I don't think Johnny's a pocket quarterback. He made a completion on me, I think it was like the first play of the game on a slant. I didn't even see him, I just saw the ball. I just feel like, just let him be Johnny and he'll be alright. But, I'm just happy we got the win last night and he wasn't Johnny.
Interesting take from the Bengals CB. Thoughts? I agree with him myself. Johnny needs to mature off the field no doubt, but I also think he showed some flashes on the field.
Who cares
I care- and if Pettine wants to pound a square peg into a round hole- it's not going to work. In the first half I saw some of the old Johnny "College" Football.
On NFLN I think it was Irvin who said- if the Browns give up on Johnny- some other team will take a chance on him.
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Rich Eisen: So, was he improved as a quarterback from the last time you saw him?
Dre Kirkpatrick: I feel like he improved but I feel like they (the Browns' staff) don't let him be Johnny, you know? I feel like they want him to be a pocket quarterback, which I don't think Johnny's a pocket quarterback. He made a completion on me, I think it was like the first play of the game on a slant. I didn't even see him, I just saw the ball. I just feel like, just let him be Johnny and he'll be alright. But, I'm just happy we got the win last night and he wasn't Johnny.
Interesting take from the Bengals CB. Thoughts? I agree with him myself. Johnny needs to mature off the field no doubt, but I also think he showed some flashes on the field.
Who cares
I care- and if Pettine wants to pound a square peg into a round hole- it's not going to work. In the first half I saw some of the old Johnny "College" Football.
On NFLN I think it was Irvin who said- if the Browns give up on Johnny- some other team will take a chance on him.
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I think Faulk also was wondering why they want to keep JM in the pocket.
I think it's pretty telling that Kirkpatrick said he couldn't see Johnny, just the ball coming out.
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Bottom line, if JM wants become a quality NFL QB he's going to have to learn how to throw out of the pocket.
Two things that will define you: Your determination when you have nothing. Your attitude when you have everything. - Mike McCartney -
I like the insight. And Johnny does throw an excellent quick slant, as the ball comes out very quickly and quite hot. My question is, when are we going to get a guy that can catch that quick slant and then break a tackle or two? How many times has Benjamin caught that quick slant and ALMOST broke it? And when I say "break it", I mean just break a tackle or two. And honestly, Benjamin has been close to catching that pass and going all the way. It happened last game, actually. He caught a quick slant and just about broke a tackle, and with his speed, he would've had a huge gain.
But he didn't break the tackle, and he doesn't usually break the tackle. Why? Because he's tiny, like just about every other freaking WR on our team. I absolutely hate to say this...it hurts to mention...but where is this team with Josh Gordon? Where are we with a guy that scares the pants off of defensive coordinators? And yeah, I know we can't even begin to count on Gordon, but quite frankly, he's a big reason why we can't win games. WE DON'T HAVE ANY PLAYMAKERS. We don't have a guy who is going to bring that contested TD pass down (see Taylor Gabriel on our FG drive). Sure, Barnidge has been amazing, but even he is a stretch.
You don't just draft a quarterback and say, "Whew...we did it. We're good now." You draft a QB, and then you build AROUND HIM. Johnny had Mike Evans in college, and had many spectacular plays where he basically threw a jumpball to him. Who on this team can come down with that kind of pass? Who can routinely catch a pass, make a move, and get to the house. We all know hindsight is 20/20, but come ON Ray Farmer. You trade up to get Manziel when both Derek Carr and Teddy Twatwater are available? You neglect to draft a WR like Allen Robinson, but make a trade to get a RB like Terence West? The Dwayne Bowe monster contract? I mean, what the heck. And I realize that Shelton plays a rather unglamorous position, but what has he really done? I think he plays around 30% of the defensive snaps (I'm not totally sure on this, but I'm close). So we have a first round pick that plays about a third of the game, and another first round pick that doesn't even PLAY.
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Canton Dawg...I coudn't agree more, but the pocket was often disrupted WAY too early, and it broke down too much...even when the Bengals rushed 3 or 4. Heck, there was one play where the Bengals rushed THREE and the DT sacked Manziel. And it was a sack that he couldn't come close to avoiding. Our probowl lineman Alex Mack just passed off the rusher to...to...nobody. It was sad. And another thing, there aren't many QB's in the LEAGUE that can move the ball consistently without a running game, and probably zero second-year QB's. We ran the ball ONE TIME in the second half. How is that possible?
Yes, Manziel needs to develop more in the pocket. Most people would totally agree on that. But when receivers aren't making plays, there is absolutely NO running game, and nobody is open when you're in the pocket...what is the kid supposed to do? Did anyone else notice that our WR's weren't ever open? How many passes were batted down by the Bengals because Johnny had to squeeze it in to an impossible window?
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I keep saying it over and over again but a short QB will not see short receivers by staying in the pocket.
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Bottom line, if JM wants become a quality NFL QB he's going to have to learn how to throw out of the pocket.
Bottom line, if JM wants become a quality NFL QB he's going to have to learn how to throw out of the pocket.
He did. His shitty receievers dropped that ball. Fran Tarkenton. Biran Sipe.
:neutral_face: -
Canton Dawg...I coudn't agree more, but the pocket was often disrupted WAY too early, and it broke down too much...even when the Bengals rushed 3 or 4. Heck, there was one play where the Bengals rushed THREE and the DT sacked Manziel. And it was a sack that he couldn't come close to avoiding. Our probowl lineman Alex Mack just passed off the rusher to...to...nobody. It was sad. And another thing, there aren't many QB's in the LEAGUE that can move the ball consistently without a running game, and probably zero second-year QB's. We ran the ball ONE TIME in the second half. How is that possible?
Yes, Manziel needs to develop more in the pocket. Most people would totally agree on that. But when receivers aren't making plays, there is absolutely NO running game, and nobody is open when you're in the pocket...what is the kid supposed to do? Did anyone else notice that our WR's weren't ever open? How many passes were batted down by the Bengals because Johnny had to squeeze it in to an impossible window?
Your absolutely correct, we have not one standout skill position player (except Barnidge). But that's something we all knew heading into this season, (thanks Ray). Unfortunately for Johnny, the Bengals implemented the defensive strategy of keeping him in the pocket in the second half of the game. With very good results. Guess what, all of the upcoming defensive coordinators are going to do? Until we get some offensive weapons, and the defense learns how to make a stop, this shit is going to continue.Canton Dawg...I coudn't agree more, but the pocket was often disrupted WAY too early, and it broke down too much...even when the Bengals rushed 3 or 4. Heck, there was one play where the Bengals rushed THREE and the DT sacked Manziel. And it was a sack that he couldn't come close to avoiding. Our probowl lineman Alex Mack just passed off the rusher to...to...nobody. It was sad. And another thing, there aren't many QB's in the LEAGUE that can move the ball consistently without a running game, and probably zero second-year QB's. We ran the ball ONE TIME in the second half. How is that possible?
Yes, Manziel needs to develop more in the pocket. Most people would totally agree on that. But when receivers aren't making plays, there is absolutely NO running game, and nobody is open when you're in the pocket...what is the kid supposed to do? Did anyone else notice that our WR's weren't ever open? How many passes were batted down by the Bengals because Johnny had to squeeze it in to an impossible window?
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I mean, it was a 14-10 game at halftime, and it never felt that close. Even in the third quarter when it was 17-10, did anyone really feel like it was a one score game? Our defense couldn't get off the field AGAIN on 3rd down, and not only that, it looked far too easy. At one point Dalton hit like 11 in a row or something, and the coverage was terrible. The pass rush was terrible. I hold my breath whenever we blitz because we NEVER GET HOME and somebody is always running willy-nilly free down the field.
Let me point something out to everyone about our "defensive minded coach", and after you read this, you will probably be as mad as I am because it's simple football, yet it's something that happens far too often to us. Here we go:
On an early drive in the first quarter, the Bengals found themselves on a 3rd and 11, deep inside their own territory. I believe the score was still 0-0 (so you know it was early). Our DC decides to blitz TWO defensive backs, Williams and Campbell, in an effort to stymie the Bengals' drive. As a result, our DT/OLB Armonty Bryant was left to cover Marvin Jones. That was not a typo. We sent not one, but TWO DB's after the quarterback, leaving a 255 pound defender scrambling to cover the elusive Marvin Jones. The result? Jones runs a quick slant, Dalton delivers an easy strike, and the play goes for approximately 30 yards.
Guys, that's like JV football crap right there. It's such an easy pitch and catch that I can't believe to imagine how our coach did not see it ahead of time. If you don't believe me, go and look for yourself. Armonty Bryant is not supposed to be able to stop that kind of route, and why would you do that on 3rd down and long anyways? That quick slant takes hardly any time to execute, so no blitz in the world could get there quickly enough.
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I saw that play, and I'm thinking WTF? May as well had Danny Shelton covering his ass.
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I mean, it was a 14-10 game at halftime, and it never felt that close. Even in the third quarter when it was 17-10, did anyone really feel like it was a one score game? Our defense couldn't get off the field AGAIN on 3rd down, and not only that, it looked far too easy. At one point Dalton hit like 11 in a row or something, and the coverage was terrible. The pass rush was terrible. I hold my breath whenever we blitz because we NEVER GET HOME and somebody is always running willy-nilly free down the field.
Let me point something out to everyone about our "defensive minded coach", and after you read this, you will probably be as mad as I am because it's simple football, yet it's something that happens far too often to us. Here we go:
On an early drive in the first quarter, the Bengals found themselves on a 3rd and 11, deep inside their own territory. I believe the score was still 0-0 (so you know it was early). Our DC decides to blitz TWO defensive backs, Williams and Campbell, in an effort to stymie the Bengals' drive. As a result, our DT/OLB Armonty Bryant was left to cover Marvin Jones. That was not a typo. We sent not one, but TWO DB's after the quarterback, leaving a 255 pound defender scrambling to cover the elusive Marvin Jones. The result? Jones runs a quick slant, Dalton delivers an easy strike, and the play goes for approximately 30 yards.
Guys, that's like JV football crap right there. It's such an easy pitch and catch that I can't believe to imagine how our coach did not see it ahead of time. If you don't believe me, go and look for yourself. Armonty Bryant is not supposed to be able to stop that kind of route, and why would you do that on 3rd down and long anyways? That quick slant takes hardly any time to execute, so no blitz in the world could get there quickly enough.
I mean, it was a 14-10 game at halftime, and it never felt that close. Even in the third quarter when it was 17-10, did anyone really feel like it was a one score game? Our defense couldn't get off the field AGAIN on 3rd down, and not only that, it looked far too easy. At one point Dalton hit like 11 in a row or something, and the coverage was terrible. The pass rush was terrible. I hold my breath whenever we blitz because we NEVER GET HOME and somebody is always running willy-nilly free down the field.
Actually, we did get home once, and the dipshit gets called for a taunting penalty. Then compounds it by lining up offside later in the drive. Where's the accountability for that sort of crap, Mr. Pettine?
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I mean, it was a 14-10 game at halftime, and it never felt that close. Even in the third quarter when it was 17-10, did anyone really feel like it was a one score game? Our defense couldn't get off the field AGAIN on 3rd down, and not only that, it looked far too easy. At one point Dalton hit like 11 in a row or something, and the coverage was terrible. The pass rush was terrible. I hold my breath whenever we blitz because we NEVER GET HOME and somebody is always running willy-nilly free down the field.
Actually, we did get home once, and the dipshit gets called for a taunting penalty. Then compounds it by lining up offside later in the drive. Where's the accountability for that sort of crap, Mr. Pettine?
Actually, we did get home once, and the dipshit gets called for a taunting penalty. Then compounds it by lining up offside later in the drive. Where's the accountability for that sort of crap, Mr. Pettine?
What should Pettine do? He didn't tell him to taunt or line up offsides? Bench him the rest of the game? Turbin didn't play at all on Thursday and I'm pretty sure we all know why..
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