Browns set 3rd preseason game as deadline to name QB

[Auggie]

Last edited Tue Jul 22, 2014, 03:54 PM - Edit history (1)

HUGE MISTAKE to do this -- even to announce this publicly.

Mike Pettine says that the Cleveland Browns will have an answer to one of the NFL's biggest offseason questions -- Johnny Manziel or Brian Hoyer? -- in a little over a month.

The first-year head coach told reporters Monday that the Browns expect to name their starting quarterback by their third preseason game, which takes place Aug. 23 against the St. Louis Rams.

Whether the Browns choose Manziel, a Heisman Trophy-winning rookie, or Hoyer, a six-year veteran and Cleveland-area native, still is a matter of debate.

Pettine told reporters that the Browns have not established an exact deadline for naming a starter, although they would prefer to make a decision soon.

MORE: http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11246666/cleveland-browns-name-starting-qbjohnny-manziel-brian-hoyer-third-preseason-game-coach-mike-pettine-says

It's a no-brainer that Hoyner's experience makes him the default starter. Why make it such a drama? Why plant a seed of doubt in Hoyner's head? Browns still have their collective heads up their asses.

[KamaAina]

1. 3rd playoff game?

When would that be? Around 2056?

[bluedigger]

2. That's cracking me up, too!

Hope he leaves it.

[madinmaryland]

3. I thought this was going to be from The Onion!!

[Auggie]

4. D'OH!

preseason

[many a good man]

5. It's not drama. It's called competition.

Pettine's been crystal clear since the beginning of OTCs that Hoyer is light years ahead of Johnny in terms of knowing the play book, commanding the huddle, reading the defense, releasing the ball quickly, and accuracy.

He wants competition at every position and has made clear they won't hand nothin' to Johnny. Hoyer isn't handed anything either but everyone expects him to start Week 1 at Pittsburgh.

Manziel's is the top selling NFL jersey in the country, believe it or not. A lot of his unsuspecting fans will be surprised when he rides the pines this September. Of course, ESPN needs drama.

[hughee99]

6. It's a mistake to announce this, but I suspect they've already made up their mind.

Hoyer gets the job, they just don't want the Manziel fans in training camp complain that he's not getting a "chance to compete".