It was originally reported that rookie quarterback Johnny Manziel would get the start for the Cleveland Browns on Monday Night Football against the Washington Redskins next week. New information released from NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport and since confirmed by the Browns indicates that Brian Hoyer will actually get the nod.
The #Browns plan to start Brian Hoyer at QB this week against the #Redskins on Aug. 18 in preseason game No. 2, I’m told.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 14, 2014
Hoyer started Cleveland’s preseason opener against the New England Patriots with Manziel coming in behind a second-team offensive line. The veteran quarterback completed 6-of-14 passes for 92 yards while leading Cleveland to two field goals in three possessions. Manziel then took over in the second quarter, tallying 63 passing yards on 7-of-11 passing. Cleveland netted just one field goal in Manziel’s four possessions.
It’s important to note that the rookie from Texas A&M came in behind Cleveland’s second-team offensive line, which was a disaster in pass protection.
Browns head coach Mike Pettine fully expects both Hoyer and Manziel to play with the Browns first team against Washington on Monday. But he also had that expectation heading into the preseason opener.
This one game could help decide who starts under center Week 1. Teams normally like to have their starting quarterback situation settled by the third preseason game.
Photo: USA Today