Mike Pettine isn’t a popular man, but the Cleveland Browns coach made the right decision when he named Josh McCown over Johnny Manziel—even though it’s the wrong choice.
Cleveland is simultaneously a contender for the AFC North crown and a top-5 pick in the 2016 NFL draft, so Pettine’s every move will be analyzed and criticized. In this case, however, he deserves a small bit of credit.
Pettine proved he’s in charge and won’t be swayed by outside pressure. The second-year coach repeatedly said Josh McCown would be the starter once he cleared concussion protocol, then didn’t back down despite Johnny Manziel throwing two touchdowns and guiding the Browns to a 28-14 victory last Sunday.
Manziel once again showed he’s worth the eventual opportunity, but it was more important for Pettine to reinforce his place as the head coach. While that might seem unnecessary, consider the scrutiny—both deserved and undeserved—Pettine has faced during his brief tenure.
Nevertheless, part of that scrutiny was the result of Pettine’s initial—and wrong—decision to tab McCown, the veteran journeyman, over the 2014 first-round pick Manziel.
Manziel needs a chance to a multi-game chance to prove whether he’s worthy of the starting spot without the threat of being benched breathing down his neck. If the Texas A&M product doesn’t ever get that opportunity, Cleveland simply wasted an early selection—not that it would be a rare occurrence.
Inevitably, Pettine will turn to Manziel sometime. Pettine should’ve done that already, but now that McCown is healthy, Pettine needed to stay true to his word simply to show he’s still in charge.