Johnny Manziel’s last stand could be upon us

Johnny Manziel is Cleveland’s starting quarterback Sunday against Tennessee, thrust back into the role after Josh McCown suffered a concussion last week. It’s his next chance and first since what appears to be a successful offseason trip to rehab that’s left him better on the field and hopefully better off it, too. "I definitely feel I'm in a lot better place now," Manziel told reporters in Cleveland on Friday.

This may also be his last chance, or something close to it. That may sound reactionary about a 22-year-old, second-year quarterback who has thrown just 59 NFL passes. Except, he only completed 31 of them. And cable television is littered with Heisman Trophy winners analyzing college football games who didn’t think their NFL window would close as quickly as it did. 

 Speaking of cable television, Manziel took a moment Friday to hit back at his most vocal critic. “I think Merril Hoge needs to worry about his big neckties more than anything," Manziel said of the ESPN analyst who has never believed in him. It was a good line, but here’s the thing: Hoge, at least on the issue of Manziel, represents the opinion of most of the NFL. Specifically, that Johnny isn’t good enough at football.

Johnny Manziel

Oh, he was something to see back at Texas A&M, but that was a wide-open spread offense with easy reads. There was little to the mental side of the game and he was faster than the overwhelming majority of defenders when things broke down. This is different. He’s considered too small, both in height and hand size. He doesn’t throw hard enough to beat swift defensive backs. Running is a death wish; not only do NFL defenders eventually catch everyone – RG3, Michael Vick, everyone – but at maybe 205 pounds, he isn’t equipped to absorb many, or even any, hits.

Then there is Manziel’s throwing elbow, which the Browns say has had issues since his college days, and limited him in the preseason when every ounce of experience was invaluable. That’s just the on-the-field stuff.

The notoriety and circus that surrounds him will make him millions across his life – like Tim Tebow he’ll forever be able to sign memorabilia and give speeches. That’s the last thing NFL coaches are looking for out of a project quarterback.

Reputations are made quickly and they rarely improve. You get written off far more than built back up. There’s always another Heisman quarterback coming. Tennessee will start one, 2014 winner Marcus Mariota, who is already deemed the real deal after just a single week – albeit a “perfect” week.

Doug Gottlieb

Of course, Vince Young and Robert Griffin III were rookies of the year and that didn’t last. Tebow once quarterbacked Denver to six consecutive victories and then one more in the playoffs, yet he started just two more games (with the New York Jets) and can’t find a spot as a third stringer. You can see him on TV (wearing a skinnier tie than Hoge, though).

If you can prove yourself even a moderately capable quarterback, quiet and reliable and a worker, you can hang on for a long, long time. McCown, for instance, is in his 14th NFL season and has never been spectacular. But he is 6-foot-4, fairly accurate and well schooled on football. He can quickly pick up most offenses and knows how to recognize defenses and check out of plays while under center.

It was enough for him to be immediately named the starter in Cleveland over Manziel.

So, yeah, this isn’t just a spot start in a long play with Manziel. He doesn’t need to be Aaron Rodgers. He needs to show something, though, if only because if he doesn’t, who knows what’s next?

Browns general manager Ray Farmer drafted Manziel. Coach Mike Pettine has been with him for two seasons now. No one will be as invested as these guys. No one will know him better. If this doesn’t work, none of them may be in Cleveland long. 

Johnny Manziel

"I haven't gone out and showed what I am capable of," Manziel said. "I haven't gone out and performed very well the past two or three times that I have been on the field. I have kind of brought it upon myself and now it is kind of on me to dig myself out of that hole." The first priority is simple.

“Whatever he does, we just can’t turn that ball over,” safety Donte Whitner told Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot. Cleveland had five turnovers last week against the Jets, including an interception and two fumbles by Manziel, who came off the bench. It ruined some positive plays, a long touchdown pass and some fine runs. If he can secure the ball, a lot of things will fall into place. Whitner noted maybe even the result, a 31-10 loss to the Jets, could have been different.

Josh McCown's injury puts Johnny Manziel at the helm in Cleveland.

The daring moves that thrilled in college aren’t what anyone in the NFL really wants. Leadership also is an entirely different concept. Like any competitive workplace, a pro just wants the person next to him to be competent and doesn't care if he or she is fun to be around.

So here comes Johnny Manziel 2.0. It’s all there in front of him: the opportunity to change the narrative, to change opinions, to change a career arc, to simply play the game that made him famous. Forget wrecking the league, as he once promised. This – Week 2 of Season 2 – is already about survival.