Quick Thoughts on Johnny Manziel's Demotion
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Breaking news out of Cleveland. Coach Mike Pettine has announced that after the video surfacing of the recently out of rehab Johnny Manziel partying during the Browns' bye week, Manziel will now be the team's #3 quarterback on Monday night's game vs. the Ravens behind Josh McCown and Austin Davis.
Johnny Manziel will be Browns' third quarterback Monday night, behind starter Josh McCown and Austin Davis.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 24, 2015There are many sides to this conversation. Many say that Manziel is only 22 years old and is allowed to have a good time, especially during the bye week. But my argument is that he is just out of rehab, he has to know that he has to put his best foot forward each and every day, that he's always battling the coaching staff and the front office for their trust and trying to prove that he's worthy of being the Browns' full time starter.
With that in mind, this incident just goes to show once again that Manziel just might not be ready yet. He has to fully realize, that even in Cleveland, the spotlight will always be on him, and that he'll always be a lightning rod for criticism. Coming out of rehab just a few months ago, he should know that he has to stay away from the nightlife and just focus on being an NFL quarterback. Not to mention that he's already gone in and out of favor with coach Mike Pettine so many times already. Many people will point to Rob Gronkowski and his partying off the field, but the difference is that Gronkowski brings it in every practice, and every game. He's shown the ability to separate the two parts of his life and focus on football when the time comes, something Manziel hasn't shown the ability to do yet in his career.
#Browns demoting Johnny Manziel is the kind of message so many teams reluctant to send: that you do not get an endless amount of chances.
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) November 24, 2015The Browns are sending a clear message to Johnny Manziel with this demotion. Just because you were a star in college, say the right things to the media, and stay out of trouble for 3 months, doesn't mean you will be given chances in the NFL. Manziel is now on a tighter leash than ever, and he has to walk the straight line if he wants to gain back the trust of his coaches and continue his quest of becoming a top NFL quarterback.
Twitter: @thomas_mooney1
