By Sam Beresford
There is no doubt that when training camp starts for this season, one of the main story lines will be Johnny Manziel and the Cleveland Browns.
After an abysmal 2014 season Manziel will be looking to really prove to everyone that he will live up to his potential and become a great quarterback in the National Football League.
How did he get to where he is today?
What does the future hold for Manziel?
Manziel was arguably one of the greatest and most entertaining college quarterbacks of his generation, with his quick feet and rocket arm that college defense’s could not stop.
Millions tuned in to Texas A&M games just to watch what Johnny would do this week, he would usually not disappoint.
This led to him winning the Heisman trophy in 2012 (his first season as a starter) easily beating out linebacker Manti Te’o.
That season he broke the single season record for offensive production in the SEC with 4600 yards, passing Cam Newton and Tim Tebow.
He was also the first freshman and fifth player in NCAA history to pass for 3000 yards and rush for 1000 yards in a single season. A truly remarkable record.
In his second season as a starter Manziel did not stop producing, he passed for more yards (4,114) than the season previous and had a passer rating of 172.9.
During a game against Number One seed Alabama Manziel threw for 464 yards and 5 touchdowns a memorizing performance from &M’s number 2.
Manziel’s touchdown to interception ratio was also incredible, over his two seasons it was 63:22, if we compare that to this year’s top draft quarterback prospect, Jameis Winston 65:28 that shows how impressive Manziel was during his college career.
However, Manziel came with more than just his playing ability, he was a celebrity.
Throughout his time at college reports flew around about who Manziel had been seen with, whether it was Lebron James or Drake there was always a story about it.
The problems that Manziel would face started during the 2013 season when he was accused of selling autographs for money however, it later arose that this was not the case and the NCAA only banned Manziel for the first half of their game against Rice.
From when Johnny announced that he would be declaring for the 2014 NFL Draft the cameras never left his side, from the scouting combine to his pro day (where he performed very well completing 64 out of 66 passes).
Opinions were divided, many believed he would go onto become one of the al time greats, others thought he was going to be another first round bust.
However, Manziel’s party lifestyle and attitude meant that he would fall until the 22nd overall pick when he was selected by Ray Farmer and the Cleveland Browns.
Cleveland fans celebrated this news for weeks, the Browns later announced that after the Draft their season ticket sales rose significantly as the fans believed that they had found their franchise quarterback.
Going into training camp, not many people thought that Brian Hoyer would beat out Manziel and grasp the starting spot with two hands but he did just that.
The player who the Browns had pinned the hopes of their franchise would be sitting on the bench Week 1.
This was only the start of Manziel’s troubles, he was fined $12,000 for a hand gesture towards the Washington Redskins during a pre-season game.
Johnny didn’t play a meaningful snap until week 13 after an atrocious performance from starter Hoyer, Manziel lit up the game leading the Browns down the field an scoring a rushing touchdown.
He then started his first NFL game in Week 15 against the Cincinnati Bengals, this was a game to forget for Manziel who threw 2 interceptions and was sacked 3 times during the 30-0 loss.
Manziel did start Week 16 against the Panthers however, was withdrawn after picking up an injury.
That was where his season ended.
Soon after the season was over it was announced that Manziel would be entering an Alcohol and Drug rehabilitation center, this was a good sign for Manziel as it shows that he knew he needed help and that he wanted to get the help.
During coaches and General Manager’s press conferences at the scouting combine Mike Pettine and Ray Farmer made it perfectly clear that Manziel would have to work for the starting job, it will not just be handed to him.
This was reiterated by left tackle Joe Thomas who stated that Manziel now needs to regain the trust of his teammates, a task Manziel will try and complete during training camp to make sure they are ready for the new season.
Late last week ESPN reported Manziel had been released for the rehabilitation center.
Reports have come out that the Browns are looking at trading up in this year’s draft to either take Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota.
This would be an idiotic move, neither of these quarterbacks are perfect, they both have big question marks on how they will cope in the NFL.
In addition, the Browns would have to give up a large amount to prize the number one pick away from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who seem set on taking Jameis Winston with the first overall pick.
If you are the Browns front office you cannot afford to mess up on two quarterbacks in two consecutive drafts, they just have to hope Manziel is the player they thought he would be when they drafted him a year ago.
2015 is a year that could either make or break Johnny Manziel’s career.
He still has the tools to become one of the NFL’s most enigmatic playmaker and light up imaginations everywhere but the onus is now on him to perform.
He has had a year to learn behind Brian Hoyer, he should know the system and with some hard work in training camp and pre-season he could be ready to lead this team.
Manziel has the big play ability that the NFL loves with players such as Michael Vick and Russell Wilson lighting up games every week with their dual threat game, Manziel could easily become like them or even better.
To become this he must get rid of his throw it and hope approach that worked in College, this is the NFL now, secondary’s are a lot better and more organised here any mistake you make nine times out of ten they will punish you for it.
Johnny must not be afraid to use his feet to get out of trouble, many of his most spectacular plays in College came from when everyone assumed the play was dead but Manziel kept it alive with his footwork and then made the play with his arm.
Manziel isn’t a stand in the pocket, Tom Brady type of player, he needs to be moving around and given the opportunity to make plays by himself.
If the Browns do not see this they will lose a big portion of his production.
Manziel definitely can live up to the hype.
There is no doubt that when training camp starts for this season, one of the main story lines will be Johnny Manziel and the Cleveland Browns.
After an abysmal 2014 season Manziel will be looking to really prove to everyone that he will live up to his potential and become a great quarterback in the National Football League.
How did he get to where he is today?
What does the future hold for Manziel?
Manziel was arguably one of the greatest and most entertaining college quarterbacks of his generation, with his quick feet and rocket arm that college defense’s could not stop.
Millions tuned in to Texas A&M games just to watch what Johnny would do this week, he would usually not disappoint.
This led to him winning the Heisman trophy in 2012 (his first season as a starter) easily beating out linebacker Manti Te’o.
That season he broke the single season record for offensive production in the SEC with 4600 yards, passing Cam Newton and Tim Tebow.
He was also the first freshman and fifth player in NCAA history to pass for 3000 yards and rush for 1000 yards in a single season. A truly remarkable record.
In his second season as a starter Manziel did not stop producing, he passed for more yards (4,114) than the season previous and had a passer rating of 172.9.
During a game against Number One seed Alabama Manziel threw for 464 yards and 5 touchdowns a memorizing performance from &M’s number 2.
Manziel’s touchdown to interception ratio was also incredible, over his two seasons it was 63:22, if we compare that to this year’s top draft quarterback prospect, Jameis Winston 65:28 that shows how impressive Manziel was during his college career.
However, Manziel came with more than just his playing ability, he was a celebrity.
Throughout his time at college reports flew around about who Manziel had been seen with, whether it was Lebron James or Drake there was always a story about it.
The problems that Manziel would face started during the 2013 season when he was accused of selling autographs for money however, it later arose that this was not the case and the NCAA only banned Manziel for the first half of their game against Rice.
From when Johnny announced that he would be declaring for the 2014 NFL Draft the cameras never left his side, from the scouting combine to his pro day (where he performed very well completing 64 out of 66 passes).
Opinions were divided, many believed he would go onto become one of the al time greats, others thought he was going to be another first round bust.
However, Manziel’s party lifestyle and attitude meant that he would fall until the 22nd overall pick when he was selected by Ray Farmer and the Cleveland Browns.
Cleveland fans celebrated this news for weeks, the Browns later announced that after the Draft their season ticket sales rose significantly as the fans believed that they had found their franchise quarterback.
Going into training camp, not many people thought that Brian Hoyer would beat out Manziel and grasp the starting spot with two hands but he did just that.
The player who the Browns had pinned the hopes of their franchise would be sitting on the bench Week 1.
This was only the start of Manziel’s troubles, he was fined $12,000 for a hand gesture towards the Washington Redskins during a pre-season game.
Johnny didn’t play a meaningful snap until week 13 after an atrocious performance from starter Hoyer, Manziel lit up the game leading the Browns down the field an scoring a rushing touchdown.
He then started his first NFL game in Week 15 against the Cincinnati Bengals, this was a game to forget for Manziel who threw 2 interceptions and was sacked 3 times during the 30-0 loss.
Manziel did start Week 16 against the Panthers however, was withdrawn after picking up an injury.
That was where his season ended.
Soon after the season was over it was announced that Manziel would be entering an Alcohol and Drug rehabilitation center, this was a good sign for Manziel as it shows that he knew he needed help and that he wanted to get the help.
During coaches and General Manager’s press conferences at the scouting combine Mike Pettine and Ray Farmer made it perfectly clear that Manziel would have to work for the starting job, it will not just be handed to him.
This was reiterated by left tackle Joe Thomas who stated that Manziel now needs to regain the trust of his teammates, a task Manziel will try and complete during training camp to make sure they are ready for the new season.
Late last week ESPN reported Manziel had been released for the rehabilitation center.
Reports have come out that the Browns are looking at trading up in this year’s draft to either take Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota.
This would be an idiotic move, neither of these quarterbacks are perfect, they both have big question marks on how they will cope in the NFL.
In addition, the Browns would have to give up a large amount to prize the number one pick away from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who seem set on taking Jameis Winston with the first overall pick.
If you are the Browns front office you cannot afford to mess up on two quarterbacks in two consecutive drafts, they just have to hope Manziel is the player they thought he would be when they drafted him a year ago.
2015 is a year that could either make or break Johnny Manziel’s career.
He still has the tools to become one of the NFL’s most enigmatic playmaker and light up imaginations everywhere but the onus is now on him to perform.
He has had a year to learn behind Brian Hoyer, he should know the system and with some hard work in training camp and pre-season he could be ready to lead this team.
Manziel has the big play ability that the NFL loves with players such as Michael Vick and Russell Wilson lighting up games every week with their dual threat game, Manziel could easily become like them or even better.
To become this he must get rid of his throw it and hope approach that worked in College, this is the NFL now, secondary’s are a lot better and more organised here any mistake you make nine times out of ten they will punish you for it.
Johnny must not be afraid to use his feet to get out of trouble, many of his most spectacular plays in College came from when everyone assumed the play was dead but Manziel kept it alive with his footwork and then made the play with his arm.
Manziel isn’t a stand in the pocket, Tom Brady type of player, he needs to be moving around and given the opportunity to make plays by himself.
If the Browns do not see this they will lose a big portion of his production.
Manziel definitely can live up to the hype.