Browns stick with Hoyer as starter, keep Manziel in plans

BEREA, Ohio – Brian Hoyer understands what's at stake after he staved off flamboyant rookie Johnny Manziel for the second time to be the Cleveland Browns starting quarterback: Lead the Browns to the playoffs or likely be replaced.

Turning to Manziel would have indicated the Browns were playing for the future.

But because the playoffs remain a possibility, first-year coach Mike Pettine stuck by the more experienced Hoyer. Manziel replaced the struggling veteran late in Sunday's loss to the Buffalo Bills with Pettine leaving open the possibility before Wednesday's announcement of a change at quarterback.

"I had lively discussions with the staff,'' Pettine said. "At the end of the day, we all agreed that (Hoyer) was the direction to go.''

How much longer Hoyer remains the starter depends on if he can respond and help end the franchise's playoff drought dating back to 2002. Hoyer's contract is up at season's end. And the Browns traded up to draft for Manziel, the dynamic 2012 Heisman Trophy winner, as the franchise's future.

Pettine ignored clamoring fans who wanted Manziel after Hoyer imploded with six interceptions and one touchdown in going 1-2 the past three games.

"He's made his share of mistakes," Pettine said. "But he's gotten the lion's share of the reps in practice and virtually all of them in games. And he has us in the thick of a playoff hunt. That to me was the biggest determining factor."

Pettine challenged Hoyer to recapture the efficient, mistake-free form that enabled the Browns to win six of their first nine games.

"That been our goal and it's still attainable and we just have to do what it takes to finish the job,'' Hoyer said. "Coach makes the decisions on what's best for the team. Obviously, I have to play better."

But losing out to Hoyer might have been the best thing to happen to Manziel.

Naturally, the uber-competitive Browns rookie was disappointed when Pettine informed him Wednesday he was sticking with Hoyer.

Manziel took the news in the best possible way and said he was more energized and more focused on doing everything within his power so when he gets another chance to step in for the Browns, Pettine won't think twice about the move.

"Hopefully, I did make it harder on them," Manziel said referencing the coaching staff. "And hopefully, those guys see when I do come in here, I'm very serious about this game and very serious about this team. But more than anything, I want to win.

"Whoever puts us in the best position to win week after week, I trust Coach Pettine with that decision."

Manziel provided a spark and made the decision for Pettine "close and it was difficult'' by completing 5 of 8 passes for 63 yards and scrambled twice for 13 yards, including a 10-yard touchdown with an ugly fumble in two series replacing Hoyer in Sunday's 26-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills.

Maybe that encouragement is why Manziel handled the news so maturely.

"Of course, anytime you get a chance to go in like I did last week and then get the nod next, sure," Manziel said when asked if he was disappointed. "Just being competitive, there's a little bit of disappointment. But at the same time, I completely trust coach Pettine with this team. He's put us in the right situation moving forward, consistently."

Pettine sat Manziel down in his office and explained his reasons for sticking with Hoyer.

"I was very understanding that they were going to continue to go with Brian," Manziel said. "But I think I obviously came out last week and showed that I can come out and play a little bit. I had one successful drive and one bone-head (fumble) play by me. I did some good things and bad things.

"At the same time, I showed I can get thrown into any type of situation, dropped like a kid into the shallow end, and hopefully, figure his way out and swim."

Manziel said he's seeing things faster and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan's scheme has become second nature.

Manziel said it felt like he got a few more practice repetitions Wednesday after Pettine said he will keep alive the "Johnny Package" of plays designed for Manziel's improvisational skills for Sunday's game against the Colts.

"I need to continue to prepare like I have every week and now maybe overly prepare a little bit now that I actually did get a chance to go in and broke the ice of sitting the first weeks of the season," Manziel said. "I'm just continuing to stay ready and if I get thrown in there again, just be ready to come out and perform."

Does he believe he's ready to start?

"Well, obviously, that's a decision that's made by Coach Pettine -- and this week, his answer was, 'No,'" Manziel said. "So, hopefully moving forward, whatever transpires -- maybe next time, the answer will be, 'Yes.'"