Manziel off to good start, Browns say
Johnny Manziel, who had a “positive” rookie minicamp with Browns over the weekend, will practice this week with the club’s veterans, including Brian Hoyer, the quarterback he’ll try to unseat as starter.
Browns coach Mike Pettine made it clear that Manziel and Hoyer realize what’s at stake.
“I don’t know if they're going to be sending each other Christmas cards anytime soon,” Pettine said of the relationship between Manziel and Hoyer. “But they both know they’re in it together and they’re going to compete. I think they both feel comfortable that, as a staff, we’re going to put the best quarterback that puts us in position to win games, we’re going to put him out there.”
Pettine spoke yesterday after appearing at a Positive Coaching Alliance breakfast at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland.
Pettine reported that Manziel, whom the Browns drafted in the first round of the NFL draft two weeks ago, succeeded in every aspect of the three-day minicamp.
“It was a good start for him,” Pettine said. “We weren’t that concerned about the execution of plays. It was very difficult with a pieced-together offensive line and receiving corps guys who were learning the offense, too.
“It was a good learning process for him. I think it was a positive thing.”
Pettine limited media access to only local reporters and photographers. He wants to minimize any distractions for his young players, who might get caught up in the hoopla surrounding Manziel.
“We know the fire is burning, we just don’t want to throw gas on it,” he said.
Manziel may have a largerthan-life persona and celebrity friends, but Pettine said the young quarterback came across as grounded and humble around his teammates.
“They see Johnny in the locker room and they know he’s a good guy and a good teammate,” Pettine said. “There’s no diva-type personality there — he’s just another guy. He’s funny and fun to be around and he’s going to work hard and that’s something they all respect.”
Hoyer, who is coming off right knee surgery after being injured in his third start last season, might be allowed to do more in this week’s camp than he did during last month’s “voluntary” workouts. Hoyer was limited then to 7-on-7 passing drills.
Meanwhile, the Browns are expecting Pro Bowl receiver Josh Gordon to practice this week as he awaits a possible suspension.
Gordon reportedly failed another drug test and is facing a one-year ban.
Owners to vote today on site of 2018 Super Bowl
NFL owners will vote today on the site of the 2018 Super Bowl, choosing among New Orleans, Indianapolis and Minneapolis.
Next year’s game is in Arizona, and the 50th Super Bowl will be in the San Francisco Bay area. The 2017 game is set for Houston.
Also on the agenda at the owners meeting in Atlanta will be expanding the playoffs from 12 teams to 14.
Commissioner Roger Goodell has said it’s possible such a change could happen this year if it passes. More likely, 2015 would be the date for expanded playoffs.
Raiders pick up former Browns receiver Little
The Oakland Raiders claimed receiver Greg Little off waivers from the Cleveland Browns.
Last season, Little caught 41 passes for 465 yards and two scores.