The Cleveland Browns have decided to start Brian Hoyer over rookie Johnny Manziel at quarterback to begin the 2014 season against the Pittsburg Steelers, the team announced the decision Wednesday, August 20th, morning.
Coach Mike Pettine had set a deadline to make a decision by Tuesday August 19 but had gone through the day with committing to either quarterback. It seemed as if he may wait another week or so to make a decision but after meeting with the Brown's coaching staff Tuesday evening they have now committed to Brian Hoyer at quarterback.
"He was the clear leader from the beginning," Pettine said in a statement. "We've maintained all along that if it was close, I would prefer to go with the more experienced player. Brian has done a great job in the meeting rooms and with his teammates on the practice field and in the locker room."
Hoyer nor Manziel in the Brown's last preseason game against the Washington Redskins as Hoyer only completed 2-of-6 passes for 16 yards, while Manziel completed 7 of 16 passes for 65 yards and a touchdown in the Browns' 24-23 loss.
Hoyer started training camp as the starter and never really did anything to lose the job. This combined with the reality that Manziel didn't take it away, Pettine decided to name Hoyer the starter for Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"I think Brian's been very poised," Pettine said Wednesday. "I think he's handled the situation well. He's had a lot of things going on.
"I think it's especially good, as an offensive unit, to go out and play and gain cohesion and chemistry. That was one of the reasons I wanted to go ahead and make the decision before this third preseason game so that (Hoyer and the rest of the starting offense) could play as a unit for a good chunk of it."
The decision means Hoyer has a little more time to hang onto his dream of starting for his hometown team. Hoyer grew up in suburban North Olmsted, and attended St. Ignatius High School, where he played for legendary Cleveland coach Chuck Kyle.
Hoyer has only four starts in his career, three last season with the Browns, before he suffered a torn ACL on Oct. 3 against the Bills.
"I think a lot of people discount that," Pettine said. "Here's a guy coming off of a season-ending knee injury. Really, these are his first, essentially, 20-25 plays of live work back from it, and he's only going to get better."
But Hoyer led the Browns to two wins in the previous two starts and showed the ability to lead a Brown's team that is desperate for a winning season.
Hoyer has 18 games experience in his five seasons, but gained his most valuable experience learning in New England behind Tom Brady. That taught him the value of preparation and making quick decisions, both of which are his strengths and both of which will be essential against a team like the Steelers.
Pettine said the move does not reflect poorly on Manziel's performance this preseason.
"He's certainly made great strides," Pettine said of Manziel. "We are pleased with where he is, and he has shown that he has come a long way in his ability to pick up the playbook, be coachable and lead an offense. We are confident that Johnny is going to have a great future, but we just felt that Brian still had a decided edge on him."
Hoyer may now be the starting quarterback to start the season but it's still very likely Manziel will get his shot sometime this season if the team struggles by any means.