After Brian Hoyer’s disappointing performance Sunday, there’s a good chance the Cleveland Browns could start rookie quarterback Johnny Manziel next Sunday. Just don’t tell that to Brian Hoyer.
The Browns starter was benched in favor of Manziel during the fourth quarter of an eventual 26-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Johnny Football scored the team’s only touchdown upon entering the game, leading many to wonder if he’ll get the nod next weekend against the Indianapolis Colts.
Hoyer has heard the rumors, and quite frankly, he’s not too happy about them.
“We’re 7-5,” Hoyer told reporters Monday, via ESPN.com. “That just doesn’t happen by luck. It was hard-earned, and we’ve worked to get where we’re at. And we’re still in it.”
Hoyer has indeed started in all seven of Cleveland’s wins this season, but his play of late has put his team’s success in jeopardy. The former New England Patriots backup has thrown for zero touchdowns and five interceptions in his last two games and completed just 40 percent of his passes in a Week 11 loss to the Houston Texans.
Still, Hoyer is confident in his ability to keep the Browns on track.
“We’re 7-5 here,” Hoyer added. “We won three games last year when I started; 10-5 as a starting quarterback, that’s not bad.”
Head coach Mike Pettine has yet to name a starter for Sunday’s game, but the door clearly is open for Manziel, who’s since received a vote of confidence from Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James.
“I’m not ready to make a decision on that at this point,” Pettine said Monday, via ESPN. “Not leaning one way or the other, but there’s a lot to consider.”
Including, apparently, Hoyer’s 10-5 record as a starter.
Thumbnail photo via Dale Zanine/USA TODAY Sports Images
