Mike Pettine on Browns QB picture: Nothing has changed

Browns QB Josh McCown produced just 3 points in 1 half of action against the Bills in Thursday night’s exhibition.

A couple of weeks ago, I suggested that Johnny Manziel be named the Cleveland Browns starter for the regular season opener.

Bills: A second-round pick from Florida State, CB Ronald Darby showed solid ball-hawking skills by intercepting two of McCown’s passes.

McCown led the Browns to one field goal in three possessions against the formidable No. 1 Bills’ defense.

Let us revisit the first preseason game where Johnny Manziel went 7/11 for 42 yards and no interceptions or touchdowns.

The argument could be made that Johnny Manziel played four series, with only one resulting in a touchdown-but boy, oh boy, what a collection of plays it was.

“We’d say it’s possible [for Manziel to close the gap], but I think most teams, that’s a pretty good drop off from any starting unit, down to the twos”, said Pettine.

He’s ditched the money sign, but we might see more of the Texas A&M version of Manziel – perhaps better – as the season progresses for the Browns. He was evaluated further Friday morning, and Pettine said he won’t miss any practice time.

On Thursday, Manziel closed the gap even more.

“That’s definitely not my words I’m going to use, just “putting heat” on Josh. I think Josh has done everything right since the day he’s been here”.

McCown conversed about him needing an X-ray on his ring finger, which found out to be negative. We still have no idea how his arm strength and overall play will be when it gets cold and windy down by the lake.

“I’m not going to sit here and talk about trying to stir up a quarterback controversy, ” Pettine said. Something could change overnight, but I feel like it will be fine. If he can impress again for a full game, McCown might actually have a threat to his starting position.

Manziel completed 10 of 18 for 118 yards with one TD and no interceptions.

Now, if the team can just play an impressive “dress rehearsal” game next week in Tampa…

“Would I like to be in there with the ones, sure”, he said. “Still calm in the pocket, Got flushed more than we wanted him to be flushed, but he still made plays with his feet and that was encouraging to see”.

Again, I say this a lot, but I judge a lot on body language. “But that’s not my call, and if that decision does come, hey, I’ll be ready to hop in there”.

It was the third catch in two preseason games for Wynn, who sounds determined to take advantage of the playing time he will get with veteran Dwyane Bowe and other receivers in front of him on the depth chart sidelined by injuries.