This past Wednesday seemed to be an exciting day for everyone with the Cleveland Browns. Well, everyone except quarterback Johnny Manziel.
Of course, this was mainly because the announcement of Hue Jackson’s hiring was quickly followed by a report claiming Manziel was likely about to be shown the door in Cleveland. Since the QB spent the final weeks of the season getting back into the same trouble he swore he’d stay away from, it was really no surprise to hear reporters claim Jackson wanted to get rid of him.
To be fair, though, none of this was confirmed by the new coach in his introductory press conference. In fact, Jackson even claimed he’d meet with Manziel before determining his fate. This had to be at least somewhat decent news for him, considering all the bridges he torched this past year. Maybe, just maybe, Manziel would find himself lucky enough to get a pardon from his new coach.
However, while Jackson opened a small window of hope for Manziel Wednesday, he slammed it shut with authority this morning. Based on the comments he made on Bleacher Report radio, it sounds like Jackson isn’t even going to bother giving Manziel another chance.
Jackson left no gray area whatsoever this morning when talking Manziel. Asked about the reported trip to Vegas and whether or not that would deem Manziel a non-starter, Jackson was as clear as can be.
“Yes, it would be (a non-starter),” Jackson said. “Anytime things are not done the correct way with any player at any position, it would be a non-starter with me.”
If there were still any Manziel apologists out there (believe me, despite all of his stupid moves, these people still exist), Jackson hammered home his thoughts on Cleveland’s quarterback situation when asked about the upcoming draft.
“If there is a quarterback there at pick No. 2 or pick No. 32 that we feel is the best option, the best fit for our organization, for our football team, then we need to go get him,” he said. “I do believe that this team does need a quarterback.”
It’s tough to be any more to-the-point than that.
What’s surprising in all of this isn’t Jackson’s thoughts on Manziel, but instead how quickly he switched from “I haven’t decided yet” to “I can’t get rid of him quick enough.” Jackson claimed he wanted to watch the tape on Manziel before making any decisions. Though there was little doubt he wanted to cut ties with Cleveland’s QB, he at the very least seemed willing to give him a chance.
Just a few days later, it sounds like Jackson is already trying to figure out the fastest way to oust Manziel.
That said, the speed at which Jackson changed his tune on Manziel is the only thing surprising about his comments. Honestly, is anyone really shocked to hear the troublesome QB is out of lives in Cleveland?
Jackson has clearly realized keeping Manziel on the roster despite all of his off-field issues would only cause problems. It’s tough to believe anyone in the Browns’ locker room wants to see him back next year. Additionally, Jackson would risk setting the team back even more if he spent his first year trusting a quarterback who’s proven he still doesn’t get it.
On top of this, though Manziel showed progress on the field this year, it was hardly enough to deem him a franchise quarterback. Most importantly, it wasn’t nearly enough to outweigh all of the headaches he causes off the field.
Again, even though Jackson claimed he’d give Manziel a shot in his introductory press conference, nobody honestly bought it. However, it wasn’t because Jackson didn’t sell it well enough.
No, it was instead because it would be impossible to believe Manziel had earned another chance after blowing so many in the past. Jackson’s comments essentially ensure the QB’s as good as gone, and you can’t help but think the Browns will be much better off because of it.
