Backups Manziel, Jones could have unlikely rematch

If Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine knows who he will start at quarterback against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field Sunday, he is not talking about the decision. In fact when asked if he has told both Josh McCown and Johnny Manziel personally who makes the start on Sunday, his answer was no.

“So Manziel is expected to start when the Browns (2-7) face the Steelers (5-4), even though Pettine wouldn”™t announce his starter after Friday”™s practice because of “strategic reasons.”.

That being said, Pettine seems set in his ways and McCown will likely start as soon as he is healthy enough to play. Last year, Manziel started in week 15 against Cincinnati and week 16 at Carolina. “Each day, I felt like we gained a little ground, maybe not as much as I would like, but I feel like it’s improving and that’s a good thing”.

Johnny Football has started four games in his career, while Brees and Wilson have started in three combined Super Bowls.

Roethlisberger could play • The Pittsburgh Steelers have not completely ruled out playing Ben Roethlisberger this weekend. He has really taken on the quarterback role well for the Browns this year, in Manziel’s absence.

“He’s an adult and he knows what it takes to get himself ready, and I saw him out at practice today and he looked pretty sharp”, Thomas said.

Three weeks after returning from the concussion, McCown broke a pair of franchise records and earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors after leading the Browns to a 33-30 overtime victory over the Baltimore Ravens. Johnny (Manziel) was taking the majority of the reps.

McCown, who last week complained of having trouble breathing and sleeping because of his injured ribs, said Wednesday he was feeling better and optimistic about playing.

“I’m not going to be able to sit there like a few of these taller quarterbacks in the league and just be able to see everything happen as the play is on”, he said, via ESPN.com. “I think every coordinator is different. but you’d like to have that information as soon as possible”. In a vacuum, did they execute their job?

On the season, McCown has completed 165 of his 254 attempts for 1,897 yards with 11 touchdowns and four interceptions. “He has. He’s improved”, Pettine replied.

If Pettine thinks he’s being crafty, fine, enjoy believing you’ve got your opponent freaking out. “I want to be out there and do my part to help our team, so every week you want to play”. The Browns, by the way, have allowed an average of 5.52 yards per carry on runs to their right side so far this season, so Villanueva can certainly help make a difference this Sunday in the Steelers running game on runs to their left.