Why Johnny Manziel Should Be Cleveland’s Starting QB

Let me start out this article by saying that I am a diehard Cleveland Browns fan and I will be for life.

Just to give you an idea of this fandom I have for my team, here’s a quick story about the photo above. I went out and bought that jersey in Times Square in NYC on my first payday Friday at my first job post grad. I changed in the bathroom and wore it around work all day because it was “casual Friday.”

I grew up cheering for the Brownies and even “attended” many games in the DAWG POUND via my mother’s womb. So you can say we go back pretty FARR 😉

As a team, we have gone through 23 quarterbacks in my 23 years of life.

The most recent? Johnny, Johnny, Johnny.

Here’s my case for why Manziel deserves to be the starter, after just two preseason games:

1. Josh McCowan is downright awful. Sorry, but someone has to say it. Literally terrible. Old. He threw two interceptions in his dismal preseason performance.

2. Johnny Manziel has matured. He has learned from his lessons, and is continually learning.

3. He brings a competitive fire, an ability to scramble and excitement to the fans and the front office.

4. Cleveland had a solid run game last season and adds upon it this season with Isaiah Crowell, Duke Johnson (*great under the radar fantasy RB pick up*) and Terrance West. Johnny is a running QB, and one of the best of ’em.

5. Throughout the preseason, Manziel has gone 17 for 20 for 160 passing yards and a touchdown.

6. Most importantly, the game has appeared to slow down for him. He’s making better decisions on and off the field. He looks more poised in the pocket. And he wants to win.

The issue may be that his temporary long term elbow soreness may be caused from his throwing motion and could result in longer term issues.

“He does change his arm angle a lot, and quarterbacks that tend to drop their elbow on some throws will have a tendency for this to happen,” Pettine said earlier Monday during an interview with ESPN Radio’s Mike & Mike.

The team believes that rest and maintenance can take care of the issue and the Browns expect Johnny Manziel to play on Saturday in the third preseason game in Tampa.

Now it’s time for the Browns to make the right decision and start their first round draft pick, now and for the rest of the season. It’s what the people want.

And that’s not just me saying it! 😉

-Morgan

What’s Next for Ray Rice?

Ray Rice.

Former Baltimore Ravens running back, Super bowl Champion and 3x Pro-bowler, who’s got turned upside down at the snap of his fingers.

Or better yet, the click of an elevator button.

Now he sits and waits (well, works out and waits) to see which NFL team will give him a second chance.

Here’s a timeline of events that led Rice to be in this position.

Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY

• February 15: Rice and Janay Palmer arrested on simple assault charges, details of altercation not clear.
• February 19: Video of Rice dragging Palmer from an elevator released to the public.
• February 21: Ravens stand by Rice and defend him.
• March 26: Roger Goodell addresses Rice.
• March 27: Rice indicted, chargers went from simple assault to aggravated assault. Palmer stated that she did not was to go forward with prosecution.
• March 28: Rice and Palmer get married.
• May 23: Rice accepted into pretrial intervention program instead of taking case to trial. Ray and Janay Rice had press conference.
• June 16: Rice has discipline meeting with Goodell.
• July 24: NFL suspends Rice 2 games.
• September 8: Full video of Rice punching his wife in the face is released to the public. Ravens release Rice and the NFL suspends him indefinitely.
• September 9-10: NFL and Ravens say they did not see the full video prior to it being released.
• September 16: Rice appeals indefinite suspension
• November 2-5: Hearings held
• November 28: Rice wins appeal, NFL reinstates him.

So this leaves us with the question, what’s next for Ray Rice?

In his last season, Rice posted career-low stats. He had a total of 483 YARDS LESS than the season before and his yards per carry dropped to 3.1. Obviously these numbers are not helping Rice in his hunt for a new team.

However, some teams are down running backs and could use a veteran like Rice. Plus, in my opinion, this guy has so much to prove that he will come out guns blazing – if he gets signed. But seriously, look at these quick feet.

 

Rice has been able to sign with teams for months now – and still nothing. Which teams will be willing to take a chance on a man who quickly became the face of domestic violence?

BROWNS

The issue with the Browns running backs is that they are all young, Isaiah Crowell and Terrence West will be returning for their second season. Last year combined they had 1,280 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. The Browns added another running back in this year’s draft – Duke Johnson. With no go-to wide receiver or even a set quarterback, veteran Rice could be the key that this offense needs, especially during a season where Cleveland has a lot to prove.

COWBOYS

With Demarco Murray gone, the Cowboys look to fill the running back role. Right now, Darren McFadden looks to be their starting running back, although he comes with some concerns. And then there’s Joseph Randle aka underwear thief, who Andy Benoit from Sports Illustrated believes can have a 1,500 yard season. It probably won’t take much money to sign Rice, as it seems he just wants to get back on a team. With the Cowboys’ limited cap space and Rice’s ability to be an every-down back, we have to wonder if Rice will be a Cowboy this season. Plus we all know Jerry loves him some controversial boys.

PATRIOTS

Because they have such a structured program, Rice would benefit from being on the Patriots, as well as they would benefit from signing him. With LeGarrette Blount suspended for the beginning of the season, and both Stevan Ridey and Shane Vereen lost in free agency, the Pats need depth at the running back position. Plus, with the future of Tom Brady unknown, they need all the help on offense they can get. The help of Rice may not be a bad thing for the Patriots, as long as they can get past all the media distractions. Also, yet another coach who has no problem with some controversy.

RAIDERS

The Raiders always seem to be the team giving players second chances, so could this happen with Rice? Trent Richardson, the Raiders former third overall pick, is just averaging 3.3 yards per carry. With the addition of wide receiver Amari Cooper they are looking to build their offense, but who fills that running back role? Is it Latavius Murray – who showed some spark last season, Richardson who needs to step it up, or will it be Rice looking to redeem himself?

Yes, these teams are in need of running backs, but can they over look Rice’s past, confront the media and fans and give him that second chance?

Call me crazy, but I think they should.

– Paige

Cleveland Browns Sign Nine Year-Old with Rare Disease to One Day Contract

Seriously, could he be any cuter?! #presh

The Cleveland Browns signed nine-year old Dylan Sutcliffe to a one-day defensive lineman contract on June 9, 2012. Sutcliffe was born with a rare immunodeficiency disease that affects a number of different organs in his body.

General Manager Ray Farmer unveiled a personal jersey for Sutcliffe and contract as he attended the team’s off-season practice and even dressed next to Joe Haden.

Dylan held a press conference and made an announcement to the press, speaking of his lifelong love of the franchise, the city of Cleveland and how it feels to be the youngest member of the team. His wish has been granted and he couldn’t be happier!

The team was celebrating its first year anniversary of its “First and Ten” Volunteering initiative. The Lyndhurst, Ohio native was accompanied to the Browns facility in a limo by his parents Derek and Jenifer, grandparents Denis and Mary and his four year-old brother Sean, who has also been diagnosed with A-T (his same disease).

Major kudos to the Cleveland Browns for making Dylan’s dreams come true!

– Morgan